What is the origin of the last name Robison?

The last name Robison is of Scottish origin and is derived from the patronymic surname "Robertson," meaning "son of Robert." The name Robert, itself derived from the Old English personal name "Hrodebert," combines the elements "hrod" meaning "renown" or "fame," and "beorht" meaning "bright" or "shining." Introduced to Scotland by the Normans, the surname Robison dates back to medieval times and became prominent particularly in the regions of Aberdeenshire and Angus.

Countries of origin for the last name Robison

A detailed analysis of the last name Robison reveals several key facts regarding its origin and meaning. With roots in the Scottish and English regions, Robison represents a patronymic form derived from the common given name Robert. This surname can be traced back to the medieval period, making it a name with a rich historical significance.

The name Robison is derived from the Old English and Old French name Robert or “Hrodebert,” which combines the elements “hrod” meaning “fame” or “glory,” and “berht” meaning “bright” or “famous.” The popularity of the given name Robert, and subsequently the surname Robison, can be attributed to the influence of the Norman conquest of England in 1066, which introduced new naming practices to the region.

During the medieval period, the use of patronymic surnames, such as Robison, became prevalent. These surnames were formed by adding a suffix, such as “-son” or “-sen,” meaning “son of,” to the father’s given name. In the case of Robison, it signifies “son of Robert.” This naming convention allowed for the identification and distinction of individuals within a community.

As with many surnames, spelling variations of Robison emerged over time due to phonetic changes and regional dialects. Some alternative spellings include Robeson, Robson, and Robertson. These variations reflect the evolution of the surname as it spread across different regions and linguistic influences.

The migration of individuals bearing the Robison surname to the United States occurred during various periods, contributing to its presence and diversity in the country. It is essential to consider regional differences when examining the prevalence of this name, as surname distributions can vary significantly depending on immigration patterns and settlement.

Today, individuals with the surname Robison can be found throughout the United States, with concentrations in states such as Texas, Ohio, and Illinois. This distribution indicates the historical movement and dispersion of families over generations, forming distinct branches and communities.

While the last name Robison has its origins in the Scottish and English regions, it is worth noting that surnames, including Robison, often have multiple origins and meanings. While historical records and etymological research shed light on the most likely origin and meaning of a name, other possibilities may exist. The exploration and interpretation of surnames continue to provide fascinating insights into our ancestral heritage.

Interesting facts about the last name Robison

  • The surname Robison is of Scottish origin and is derived from the personal name Robert.
  • The name Robert is of Germanic origin and means “bright fame” or “renowned one.”
  • Robison is classified as a patronymic surname, indicating that it was originally derived from the name of a male ancestor.
  • Alternate spellings of the surname include Robertson, Robson, and Robisonne.
  • The surname Robison is relatively common in Scotland and can be found in various Scottish clans and families.
  • Many people with the surname Robison migrated to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • The Robison surname has been documented in historical records dating back to the 14th century.
  • Famous individuals with the surname Robison include William Robison, a Scottish clergyman and theologian, and Bryan Robison, an American professional football player.
  • Robison is not a very widespread surname globally, but it can be found in different parts of the world due to migration and diaspora.

Name Rank

#1392

There are around 25450 people with the last name Robison in the US

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