Robertson is a Scottish surname and given name that originates from the Old Norse personal name Hrodberht, which is composed of the elements hroth 'fame' and berht 'bright'. The name was brought to Scotland by Viking settlers during the medieval period.
The Robertson clan traces its roots back to the 12th century in Ayrshire, Scotland. According to legend, the Robertson family were descended from a Norseman named Rodbert who arrived in Scotland with his followers around the year 1100 AD. The name was later Gaelicized to Robertson.
Over time, the Robertson clan became one of the most powerful and influential families in Scotland. They played significant roles in Scottish history, particularly during the Wars of Independence against England. Notable members of the Robertson family include Alexander Robertson of Struan, who fought alongside William Wallace at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, and Patrick Robertson of Strowan, who was a signatory of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320.
Today, Robertson is still widely recognized as a Scottish surname and given name, with many people bearing this proud lineage. Despite its historical origins, it remains relevant and popular in contemporary times due to its strong association with Scottish heritage and culture.
The name Robertson has a unique history of usage in the United States, with a total of 516 babies given this name over the years. The name's popularity fluctuated greatly throughout the decades.
In the early to mid-20th century, Robertson saw moderate use, with an average of around 6 births per year between 1946 and 1973. However, there were a few notable spikes during this period, such as in 1964 when 16 babies were named Robertson.
The 1980s and early 1990s marked a significant increase in the usage of the name Robertson, with some years seeing double digits in births. For instance, there were 13 births in both 1985 and 1990, while other years like 1982, 1983, and 1984 also exceeded 8 births.
Interestingly, after a brief decline in the late 1990s, Robertson's usage began to rise again from the early 2000s onwards. There were consistently around 5-7 births per year between 2000 and 2021, with notable spikes in 2002 (9 births) and 2018 (9 births).
Despite fluctuations over time, Robertson has maintained a consistent presence among baby names in the United States. Its unique sound and heritage make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name with a rich history.