Robain History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

Etymology of Robain

What does the name Robain mean?

The surname Robain was first used in the Scottish/English Borderlands by an ancient Scottish people called the Strathclyde-Britons. It was a name for someone who lived in Peeblesshire. The Robain surname was also a patronymic name created from the personal name Robin, a pet form of Robert. 1

"That Robin was early considered a diminutive of Robert is shown by an entry in 1483 where the same individual is referred to as Robyne of Hall and Robert of Hall." 2

Early Origins of the Robain family

The surname Robain was first found in Peeblesshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd nam Pùballan), former county in South-central Scotland, in the present day Scottish Borders Council Area, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Robain family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Robain research. Another 55 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Robain History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Robain Spelling Variations

The many spelling variations in Medieval Scottish names result from the fact that scribes in that era spelled words according to sound. Translation too, was an undeveloped science, and many names were altered into complete obscurity. Over the years Robain has been spelled Robbins, Robbyns, Robens, Robins, Robin and others.

Early Notables of the Robain family

More information is included under the topic Early Robain Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Robain family

To escape the uncertainties and discrimination faced in Scotland, many decided to head out for North America. Once they arrived, many Scots fought with relish in the American War of Independence; some went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Many ancestors of these Scots have recovered their lost national heritage in the 20th century through Clan organizations and Scottish historical societies. Among the settlers to North America were: Edward, Alice, Dorothy, Henry, John, Judith, Joseph, Rachel, Rebecca, Robert, Sam, Thomas Robins all arrived in Virginia between 1635 and 1660; Samuel Robbins settled in New England in 1635.

The Robain 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: Vivit post funera virtus
Motto Translation: Virtue lives after death

Sources +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)