Meaning, origin, history
Robinson is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the given name Robin or Robyn, which means "famous brightness." The name was popularized by the novel "The Swiss Family Robinson," written by Johann Wyss in the late 18th century. This story follows the adventures of a family shipwrecked on an island and their struggles to survive and build a new life. Despite its Scottish origins, the name Robinson has become widely associated with this literary work and is often thought of as having English roots. Today, Robinson remains a popular surname throughout many English-speaking countries.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Robinson since 1880
Total births
2,857
Total since 1880
Peak year
2014
64 births
in 2023
41
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-13%
↘
vs previous 5 years