Show ContentsHarrobin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Harrobin was spawned by the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture that ruled a majority of Britain. It comes from the name Rabin or Robin, which are pet forms of the personal name Robert. The name is preceded the Old English prefix har, which means gray. Hence, the surname Harrobin literally means gray Rabin or gray Robin. 1

Early Origins of the Harrobin family

The surname Harrobin was first found in the parish of Taxal, Derbyshire at Horobin. 2

A very rare name, we did find some late entries for the family in Cheshire. The Wills at Chester list John Horabin, of Westhoughton, 1591; Thomas Horabin, of Bolton, 1612; Richard Horrobin, of Bolton, 1633; and William Horrobin, of Little Bolton, 1633. "It will be seen that the Bolton Horobins first became Horrobin, and then Harrobin, as they exist to-day." 2

Early History of the Harrobin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Harrobin research. Another 154 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1591, 1596, 1612, 1618, 1633, 1686, 1696, 1713, 1783 and 1790 are included under the topic Early Harrobin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Harrobin Spelling Variations

Harrobin has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Harrobin have been found, including Horrobin, Horrabin, Horobin, Horabin, Harrobin, Harrabin, Harobin, Harbin, Harbine, Harbyn, Harbynn, Horbyn and many more.

Early Notables of the Harrobin family

Another 42 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Harrobin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Harrobin family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Harrobins to arrive on North American shores: Peter Harbynn, who settled in Virginia in 1635; Richard Horribynn, who arrived in St. Christopher in 1635; Alexander Harbin, who arrived with his wife in Barbados in 1680.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)


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