Roberts History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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The Roberts surname is derived from the personal name Robert. This name was originally came from the Old German words "hrod" and "behrt," which mean "fame" and "bright." It was introduced to Britain by the Normans during the time of Edward the Confessor, and became very popular. A large number of diminutives and pet-forms were derived from this name in early times.

Early Origins of the Roberts family

The surname Roberts was first found in Denbighshire (Welsh: Sir Ddinbych), a historic county in Northeast Wales created by the Laws in Wales Act 1536, where they were descended from Einion Efell, Lord of Cynllateh, through Howell ap Iolyn of Llangedwyn, and were directly descended from Rhodri Mawr, King of Wales.

Early History of the Roberts family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Roberts research. Another 106 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1585, 1606, 1648, 1649, 1657, 1660, 1665, 1679, 1682, 1684, 1685, 1718, 1719, 1722, 1723 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Roberts History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Roberts Spelling Variations

Although there are comparatively few Welsh surnames, they have a great many spelling variations. Variations of Welsh names began almost immediately after their acceptance within Welsh society. In the Middle Ages, it was up to priests and the few other people that recorded names in official documents to decide how to spell the names that they heard. Variations that occurred because of improper recording increased dramatically as the names were later transliterated into English. The Brythonic Celtic language of Wales, known by natives as Cymraeg, featured many highly inflected sounds that could not be properly captured by the English language. Spelling variations were, however, also carried out according to an individual's design: a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were all indicated by the particular variation of one's name. The spelling variations of the name Roberts have included Roberts, Robert, Robartes, Robarts and others.

Early Notables of the Roberts family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was

William Roberts (1585-1665), Welsh Bishop of Bangor; Richard Roberts, Sheriff of Cornwall; Michael Roberts (died 1679), Welsh-born, Principal of Jesus College, Oxford from 1648 to 1657; John Robartes...

Roberts World Ranking

In the United States, the name Roberts is the 43^rd most popular surname with an estimated 380,511 people with that name. 1 However, in Canada, the name Roberts is ranked the 76^th most popular surname with an estimated 31,895 people with that name. 2 And in Quebec, Canada, the name Roberts is the 918^th popular surname. 3 Newfoundland, Canada ranks Roberts as 32^nd with 685 people. 4 Australia ranks Roberts as 20^th with 53,029 people. 5 New Zealand ranks Roberts as 49^th with 5,310 people. 6 The United Kingdom ranks Roberts as 9^th with 151,740 people. 7 South Africa ranks Roberts as 341^st with 20,017 people. 8

Migration of the Roberts family to Ireland

Some of the Roberts family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 73 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Roberts migration to the United States +

Many people from Wales joined the general migration to North America in the 19th and 20th centuries, searching for land, work, and freedom. Like the many other immigrants from the British Isles, they made a significant contribution to the development of Canada and the United States. The Welsh and their descendents added a rich cultural tradition to the newly developed towns, cities, and villages. An investigation of the immigration and passenger lists has revealed a number of people bearing the name Roberts:

Roberts Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Elias Roberts, who landed in Virginia in 1624 9
Mr. Joseph Roberts, who arrived in Boston, Massachusetts in 1632 aboard the ship "Lyon" 10
Mr. Jo Roberts, aged 46, who arrived in Virginia in 1635 aboard the shp "Assurance" 11
Blanch Roberts, aged 20, who arrived in Bermuda, (Somers Islands) in 1635 aboard the ship "Truelove" 9
John Roberts, who settled in Virginia in 1638
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Roberts Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Ellis Roberts, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1703 9
Bennet Roberts, who landed in Mississippi in 1799 9

Roberts Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Edmond Roberts, who landed in New York in 1802 9
Brice Roberts, who arrived in New York in 1822 9
David Roberts, who landed in New York in 1831 9
Mr. Thomas Roberts, (b. 1806), aged 30, Cornish blacksmith departing from Falmouth aboard the "Royal Adelaide" arriving in the United States on 11th May 1836 12
Amelia Roberts, aged 20, who landed in Key West, Fla in 1838 9
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Roberts Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Mr. William Vorden Roberts, (b. 1867), aged 37, Cornish miner, travelling aboard the ship "St Paul" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 8th May 1904 en route to Montana, USA 13
Evelyn Ashley Roberts, who arrived in Alabama in 1919 9

Roberts migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Roberts Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Mr. Thomas Roberts U.E. who arrived at Port Roseway, [Shelbourne], Nova Scotia on October 26, 1783 was passenger number 222 aboard the ship "HMS Clinton", picked up on September 28, 1783 at Staten Island, New York, USA 14
Mr. Zachariah Roberts U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 14
Mr. Zachariah Roberts U.E. (b. 1756) born in New York, USA who settled in Queens County, New Brunswick c. 1784 he served with Sir William Howe, he died in 1833 14
Mr. Stephen Roberts U.E. who settled in St. Andrews, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1784 member of the Penobscot Association 14

Roberts Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

C.S Roberts, aged 32, a gentleman, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the ship "Legatus" from London, England
Louisa Roberts, aged 22, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the ship "Legatus" from London, England
Charles William Roberts, aged 3, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the ship "Legatus" from London, England
John Roberts, aged 20, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the ship "Augusta" from Liverpool, England
Miss. Margaret Roberts, aged 6 months who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec but died on Grosse Isle on 19th June 1847 15
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Roberts migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Roberts Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century

Mr. William John Roberts (b. 1756), aged 31, Cornish settler convicted in Bodmin, Cornwall, UK on 14th August 1786, sentenced for 7 years for stealing yarn valued at 9 shillings, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" on 13th May 1787 to New South Wales, Australia 16
Mr. John Roberts, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 17

Roberts Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. John Roberts, (b. 1765), aged 38, British Convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Coromandel" on 4th December 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 18
Mr. William Roberts, British Convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Coromandel" on 4th December 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 18
Mr. James Roberts, British convict who was convicted in Shropshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Calcutta" in February 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 19
Mr. William Roberts, British convict who was convicted in Hereford, Herefordshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Calcutta" in February 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 19
Mr. William Roberts, British convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Calcutta" in February 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 19
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Roberts migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Roberts Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Philip Roberts, aged 36, a miner, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Duke of Roxburgh" in 1840 20
Jonathan Roberts, aged 15, a labourer, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Duke of Roxburgh" in 1840 20
Mary Anne Roberts, aged 12, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Duke of Roxburgh" in 1840 20
Philip Roberts, aged 10, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Duke of Roxburgh" in 1840 20
Jane Roberts, aged 6, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Duke of Roxburgh" in 1840 20
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Roberts migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 21

Roberts Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Mr. Edward Roberts, (b. 1609), aged 25, British settler travelling from London, UK arriving in St Christopher (St. Kitts) on 5th January 1634 9
Mr. Robert Robert's, (b. 1617), aged 18, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Alexander" arriving in Barbados in 1635 22

Roberts Settlers in West Indies in the 18th Century

Alexander Roberts, who arrived in Jamaica in 1780 9

Contemporary Notables of the name Roberts (post 1700) +

Tony Roberts (1928-2023), American sportscaster who was the play-by-play announcer for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team from 1980 until 2006, inducted into the Indiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame, Holiday Bowl Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame
Cornelius R. "C.R." Roberts (1936-2023), American football player who played fullback for the USC Trojans, the Toronto Argonauts, and the San Francisco 49ers
Bruce Stuart Roberts (1930-2023), American photographer and author who pioneered the use of the 35 mm format cameras for Time, Life, Sports Illustrated, and Time Life Books
Anna Smith Rickey Roberts (1827-1858), born Anna Rickey, American poet, born in Philadelphia
Joseph C. "Joe" Roberts (1936-2022), American professional NBA basketball player who played three seasons
David Stuart Roberts (1943-2021), American climber, mountaineer, and author of books and articles about climbing
John David Roberts (1932-2021), American college and professional football coach, inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1993
Tanya Roberts (1955-2021), stage name of Victoria Leigh Blum, and American actress best known for her role in Charlie's Angels, Stacey Sutton in the James Bond film A View to a Kill
Alfred "Uganda" Roberts (1943-2020), American conga/percussion player
Mary Martha Corinne Morrison Claiborne "Cokie" Roberts (1943-2019), née Boggs, an American three-time Emmy Award winning journalist and bestselling author, known for her work on Morning Edition, The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour, World News Tonight, and This Week
... (Another 67 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Roberts family +

Air New Zealand Flight 901

Mr. Michael Seaver Roberts (1932-1979), New Zealander passenger, from Wellington, North Island, New Zealand aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; he died in the crash 23
Mrs. Allison Meryl Roberts (1933-1979), New Zealander passenger, from Wellington, North Island, New Zealand aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; she died in the crash 23

Arrow Air Flight 1285

Mr. Bobby E Roberts (1964-1985), American Specialist 4th Class from Fort Worth, Texas, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 24
Mr. Wilbur Grant Roberts (1957-1985), American Staff Sergeant from Clarksville, Tennessee, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 24

Bradford City stadium fire

Amanda Jane Roberts (1965-1985), from Bradford who attended the Bradford City and Lincoln City Third Division match on 11th May 1985 when the Bradford City stadium fire occurred and she died in the fire

Empress of Ireland

Mr. William Roberts (d. 1914), British Assistant Steward from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 25
Mr. James Roberts, British Engineer's Steward from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking 25

Fraterville mine

Mr. Walter Roberts (d. 1902), American coal miner at Fraterville mine in Tennessee, on the 19th May 1902 when an explosion collapsed the mine; he died 26
Mr. William. H. Roberts (d. 1902), American coal miner at Fraterville mine in Tennessee, on the 19th May 1902 when an explosion collapsed the mine; he died 26

Hillsborough disaster

Graham John Roberts (1964-1989), English gas board engineer who was attending the FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough Stadium, in Sheffield, Yorkshire when the stand allocated area became overcrowded and 96 people were crushed in what became known as the Hillsborough disaster and he died from his injuries 27

HMAS Sydney II

Mr. Lyndon Irvine Roberts (1921-1941), Australian Stoker from North Cottesloe, Western Australia, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 28
Mr. Ronald Charles Roberts (1920-1941), Australian Assistant Cook from Middle Park, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 28

HMS Cornwall

John Roberts (d. 1942), British Leading Stoker aboard the HMS Cornwall when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking 29

HMS Dorsetshire

Bill Roberts, British aboard the HMS Dorsetshire (1945) when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he survived the sinking 30

HMS Hood

Mr. Reginald C Roberts (b. 1919), English Ordinary Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Minster, Kent, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 31
Mr. Lewis G Roberts (b. 1919), Welsh Able Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Abertillery, Monmouthshire, Wales, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 31
Mr. Gordon R Roberts (b. 1913), English Able Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Yateley, Hampshire, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 31
Mr. Frederick C Roberts (b. 1903), English Leading Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Fulham, London, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 31
Mr. Ernest G Roberts (b. 1912), English Mechanician 2nd Class serving for the Royal Navy from Coxford, Southampton, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 31

HMS Prince of Wales

Mr. Leonard Roberts, British Stoker 2nd Class, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and died in the sinking 32
Mr. Lawton Roberts, British Stoker 1st Class, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and died in the sinking 32
Mr. L Roberts, British Stoker, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 32
Mr. E Roberts, British Petty Officer Telegraphist, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 32
Mr. A Roberts, British Ordinary Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 32
... (Another 3 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

HMS Repulse

Mr. Frederick Timothy Roberts, British Boy Signalman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 33
Mr. Herbert H Roberts, British Leading Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 33
Mr. William H Roberts, British Able Bodied Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 33
Mr. George Henry Thomas Roberts, British Engine Room Artificer 4th Class, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking 33
Mr. E N R Roberts, British Stoker, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 33

HMS Royal Oak

H. Roberts, British Able Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking 34
George O. Roberts, British Lieutenant with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking 34
Thomas Owen Roberts (1919-1939), British Able Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 34
Frederick William Roberts (1918-1939), British Able Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 34
Arthur Roberts (1901-1939), British Chief Stoker with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 34

RMS Lusitania

Mr. Charles A. Roberts, English Able-Bodied Seaman from England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 35
Mr. John Roberts, English Assistant Engineers' Mess Steward from Liverpool, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 35
Miss Annie Jane Roberts, English Stewardess from Bootle, Lancashire, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking and was recovered 35

RMS Titanic

Mr. Frank John Roberts (d. 1912), aged 36, English Third Butcher from Farnborough, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking and was recovered by CS Mackay-Bennett 36
Mr. Hugh H. Roberts (d. 1912), aged 40, English Bedroom Steward from Bootle, Lancashire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking and was recovered by CS Mackay-Bennett 36
Mrs. Mary Kezziah Roberts, (née Humphrys), aged 41, English Saloon Steward from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and survived the sinking by escaping in life boat 16 36
Mr. Robert George Roberts (d. 1912), aged 35, English Fireman/Stoker from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 36

Senghenydd colliery

Mr. Griffith Roberts (b. 1893), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
Mr. Griffith Roberts (b. 1893), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
Mr. John Roberts (b. 1882), Welsh coal miner from Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
Mr. Morgan Roberts (b. 1886), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
Mr. Robert G. Roberts (b. 1893), Welsh coal miner from Groeswen, Cardiff, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
... (Another 2 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

SS Atlantic

Henry Roberts, Irish traveler aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking

USS Arizona

Mr. Walter Scott Roberts Jr., American Radioman First Class from Missouri, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 37
Mr. Wilburn Carle Roberts, American Baker Third Class from Louisiana, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 37
Mr. William Francis Roberts, American Seaman Second Class working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 37
Mr. Dwight Fisk Roberts, American Fireman First Class from Kansas, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 37
Mr. Kenneth Franklin Roberts, American Boatswain's Mate Second Class working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 37
... (Another 1 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Roberts Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Ewch ymlaen
Motto Translation: Go forward.