Robin is a name of English origin, derived from the Old Germanic word "Hrodbeorh", which means "famous" or "renowned". The name has been associated with various historical figures and literary characters throughout history.
The most notable figure associated with the name Robin is Robin Hood, the legendary outlaw of English folklore. According to the tales, Robin Hood was a skilled archer and thief who stole from the rich to give to the poor. While his criminal activities were frowned upon by society, he was viewed as a hero for standing up against corruption and injustice.
The name Robin has also been used in literature and popular culture. In Sir Walter Scott's novel "Ivanhoe", Robin is a character who assists the protagonist, Ivanhoe, in his quest to regain his family's honor. Additionally, the name Robin is featured prominently in the comic book series "Batman" as the alter ego of Dick Grayson, the second person to take on the mantle of the superhero after Bruce Wayne.
Throughout history, the name Robin has been associated with individuals who have dared to challenge the status quo and fight for justice. While its meaning may vary depending on cultural and historical context, the name Robin continues to evoke images of courage, bravery, and rebellion against oppression. Despite its roots in Old Germanic culture, the name Robin remains popular today, both as a given name and as a nickname for people named Robert or Robertson.
The name Robin has had a fascinating journey in terms of popularity over the past century in the United States. Initially starting off with only a handful of births per year, it began to gain traction in the early 1940s.
From just 6 births in 1940, the number of babies named Robin skyrocketed to 621 in 1945, marking a significant increase in its popularity. This trend continued throughout the 1940s and 1950s, with Robin peaking at an impressive 13,971 births in 1959.
However, as is common with many names, Robin's popularity began to decline after the peak of the 1960s. By the early 1970s, the number of babies named Robin was less than half of what it was a decade prior. This downward trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with fewer than 500 babies being named Robin each year from 1993 onwards.
Despite this decrease in popularity, the name Robin has managed to maintain a steady presence in recent years. Between 2014 and 2023, there were between 175 and 354 babies named Robin each year, showing that while it may not be as popular as it once was, it is still a beloved choice for parents.
In total, over the past century in the United States, there have been approximately 291,199 babies named Robin. This name has clearly left its mark on American naming trends, with its popularity ebbing and flowing over time but never truly disappearing.