Show ContentsRobinson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Robinson Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Robinson

What does the name Robinson mean?

The surname Robinson is a name of ancient Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the baptismal name Robin, which was a diminutive of the personal name Robert, and refers to "a son of Robin or Robert."

Early Origins of the Robinson family

The surname Robinson was first found in Yorkshire, where a John Richard Robunson was on record in 1324 in the Court Rolls of the manor of Wakefield, and a Thomas Robynson was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax returns of 1379. 1

The Robinson family in Ireland is typically found in Ulster where they migrated to in the Plantation of Ireland.

Early History of the Robinson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Robinson research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1576, 1625, 1645, 1670, 1680, 1684, 1686, 1700, 1701, 1712, 1754, 1775, 1833 and 1867 are included under the topic Early Robinson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Robinson Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Robinson, Robenson, Robbison, Robbinson, McRobin and others.

Early Notables of the Robinson family

  • John Robinson (1576-1625), known as the "Pilgrim Pastor," who was the first pastor and inspiration to the church of the Pilgrim Fathers, Henry Crabb Robinson (1775-1867), a foreign correspondent for T...
  • Bryan Robinson (1680-1754), was an Irish physician and writer who graduated as a physician from Trinity College, Dublin. 2

Robinson World Ranking

the United States, the name Robinson is the 20th most popular surname with an estimated 579,471 people with that name. 3 However, in Canada, the name Robinson is ranked the 30th most popular surname with an estimated 47,171 people with that name. 4 And in Quebec, Canada, the name Robinson is the 539th popular surname. 5 Newfoundland, Canada ranks Robinson as 689th with 63 people. 6 Australia ranks Robinson as 29th with 48,735 people. 7 New Zealand ranks Robinson as 17th with 6,198 people. 8 The United Kingdom ranks Robinson as 13rd with 137,489 people. 9 South Africa ranks Robinson as 711st with 9,594 people. 10

Migration of the Robinson family to Ireland

Some of the Robinson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 85 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Robinson migration to the United States +



Robinson Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • John Robinson, who arrived in Jamestown, Virginia aboard the ship "Discovery" in 1607, died soon after
  • Mr. John Robinson, aged 21,who arrived in Virginia in 1622 aboard the ship "Margaret & John" 12
  • Isaac and Bridget Robinson, who arrived in Plymouth in 1629
  • Constance Robinson, who landed in New England in 1634 13
  • Mr. John Robinson, (d. 1643), who left England and arrived in Maryland in 1634 aboard the ship "Ark and Dove" 14
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Robinson Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • George Robinson, who landed in Virginia in 1706 13
  • David Robinson, who arrived in South Carolina in 1716 13
  • Anne Robinson, who landed in Virginia in 1717 13
  • Catherine and Charles Robinson, who settled in Virginia in 1730
  • James Robinson, who settled in Virginia in 1775
Robinson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Aistroppe Robinson, who arrived in New York, NY in 1804 13
  • Barber Robinson, aged 5, who arrived in New York, NY in 1804 13
  • Hugh Robinson, who landed in America in 1809 13
  • Isabella Robinson, who landed in New York, NY in 1812 13
  • Gilbert Robinson, aged 50, who arrived in New York in 1812 13
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Robinson migration to Canada +

Robinson Settlers in Canada in the 17th Century
Robinson Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Charles Robinson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • Ben j Robinson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1760
  • Edward Robinson, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1774
  • Hannah Robinson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1774
  • Elizabeth Robinson, aged 30, who arrived in Fort Cumberland, Nova Scotia in 1775
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Robinson Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • William Robinson, who emigrated from County Tipperary, Ireland to St. John's, Newfoundland in 1831 15
  • William Robinson, aged 22, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Edward Reid" in 1833
  • George Robinson, aged 21, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the ship "John & Mary" from Belfast, Ireland
  • Joseph Robinson, aged 13, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the ship "John & Mary" from Belfast, Ireland
  • Bess Robinson, aged 18, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the ship "John & Mary" from Belfast, Ireland
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Robinson migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the First Fleet, Second Fleet and Third Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

First Fleet
  • Mr. John Robinson, British settler convicted in Somerset, England in 1787, sentenced to Life for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790, listed as escaped 11
  • Mr. Thomas Robinson, British settler convicted at Hampshire, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Neptune, Scarborough or Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 12
  • Miss Elizabeth Robinson, (b. 1772), aged 17, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1789, sentenced to 7 years for shop lifting, transported aboard the ship "Lady Juliana" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 12
Second Fleet
  • Mr. Arthur Robinson, British settler convicted in Yorkshire, England in 1789, sentenced to Life for stealing a horse, transported aboard the ship "HMS Gorgon" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 12
  • Mr. Daniel Robinson, British settler convicted in Northamptonshire, England in 1788, sentenced to 14 years for breaking and entry, transported aboard the ship "Matilda" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 12
  • Mr. Edward Robinson, (1753 - 1820), aged 37, British servant convicted in Yorkshire, England in 1790, sentenced to Life for theft, transported aboard the ship "Admiral Barrington" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 12
  • Mr. Henry Robinson, (d. 1792), British settler convicted in Norfolk, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Matilda" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 12
  • Mr. James Robinson, British settler convicted in Southampton, Hampshire, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Third Fleet" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 12
Third Fleet
  • Mr. George Robinson, (b. 1748), aged 39, English settler convicted in Lincoln, Lincolnshire on 21st April 1784, sentenced for 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Alexander" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 12
  • Mr. Joseph Robinson, (b. 1762), aged 25, English settler convicted in Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire on 7th October 1784, sentenced for 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Alexander" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 12
  • Mr. George Robinson, (b. 1769), aged 18, English settler convicted in London on 9th July 1785, sentenced for 7 years for stealing clothing, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 12
  • Mr. William Robinson, (b. 1762), aged 25, English settler convicted in Exeter, Devon on 24th May 1784, sentenced for 7 years for returning from transport, transported aboard the ship "Charlotte" leaving on 13th May 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia on 22nd January 1788 12
  • Mr. Andrew Robinson, British cook on the support ship for the First Fleet the "Fishburn" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788
Following the First, Second and Third Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Robinson Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
  • Mr. Michael Robinson, (Robinson, Massey), English convict who was convicted in London, England for life, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
  • Mr. William Robinson, English convict who was convicted in Hampshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
Robinson Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Robinson 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:

Robinson Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Robinson, Australian settler travelling from Sydney aboard the ship "Delhi" arriving in Bay of Islands, New Zealand on 16th August 1840 20
  • Mr. John Robinson, (b. 1801), aged 39, British carpenter and chair maker travelling from England aboard the ship "Martha Ridgway" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 14th November 1840 20
  • Mrs. Mary Robinson, (b. 1802), aged 38, British settler travelling from England aboard the ship "Martha Ridgway" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 14th November 1840 20
  • Mr. Frederick Robinson, (b. 1820), aged 20, British carpenter and chair maker travelling from England aboard the ship "Martha Ridgway" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 14th November 1840 20
  • Miss Amelia Robinson, (b. 1824), aged 16, British sempstress travelling from England aboard the ship "Martha Ridgway" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 14th November 1840 20
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Robinson 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
Robinson Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century
  • Mr. Edward Robinson, (b. 1616), aged 18, British settler travelling from London, UK arriving in St Christopher (St. Kitts) on 5th January 1634 13
  • Mr. Thomas Robinson, (b. 1604), aged 31, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Anne and Elizabeth" arriving in Barbados in 1635 22
  • Mr. David Robinson, (b. 1615), aged 20, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Peter Bonaventure" arriving in Barbados and St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 22
  • Mr. John Robinson, (b. 1609), aged 26, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Peter Bonaventure" arriving in Barbados and St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 22
  • Mr. William Robinson, (b. 1609), aged 26, British settler traveling aboard the ship "Matthew" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 23
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Robinson (post 1700) +

  • Ray Charles Robinson (1930-2004), birth name of Ray Charles, American musician, one of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time"
  • William "Smokey" Robinson (b. 1940), American musician, hailed as "the poet laureate of soul music," inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, awarded the 2016 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for his lifetime contributions to popular music
  • Frank Robinson (1935-2019), American Major League Baseball player, MVP, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
  • Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson (1919-1972), American baseball player, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
  • Derreck Lamar Robinson (1982-2025), American professional football player, defensive end in the National Football League, played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes and was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2005
  • Larry J. Robinson (1949-2025), American politician, served as a member of the North Dakota Senate for the 24th district (1989-2020)
  • Christopher Brown Robinson (1938-2025), American actor, screenwriter, and film director, sometimes credited as Christopher Robinson, young adult actor and stunt man and appeared in such films of the 1950s as Diary of a High School Bride and Beast from Haunted Cave
  • Addie Lee Robinson (1918-2011), née Campbell, American technician in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, first all-female, all-African-American battalion to server overseas
  • Cloyd E. "Robby" Robinson (1938-2024), American politician from the state of Iowa, served as a Democratic member of the Iowa Senate (1971-1981)
  • ... (Another 114 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Air New Zealand Flight 901
  • Miss Betty Estelle Robinson (1943-1979), New Zealander passenger, from, 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 24
  • Mr. Thomas E Robinson (1943-1985), American Sergeant from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 25
  • Charles Malcolm Stewart Robinson (d. 1943), Australian Private who died aboard the ship "Centaur" an Australian hospital ship when torpedoed on 14th May 1943
  • Raymond Lawrence Robinson (1917-1943), Australian Lance Corporal who died aboard the ship "Centaur" an Australian hospital ship when torpedoed on 14th May 1943
  • Mr. William Robinson, British Trimmer from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking 26
  • ... (Another 48 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Suggested Readings for the name Robinson +

  • Descendants of John Craig, Esquire and John Robinson, Senior, Scotch-Irish Immigrants to Lancaster County, South Carolina by Eloise Craig.
  • Pioneer Pond People Plus Robinson and Allied Families by Betty Pond Snyder.
  • Robinson and Related Families (1700-1990: Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama by Delton D. Blalock.
  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  3. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  4. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  5. "The first 1,000 family names by rank, Quebec (in French only)" Institut de la statistique du Quebec, https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/document/family-names-in-quebec/tableau/the-first-1000-family-names-by-rank-quebec
  6. The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
  7. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  8. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  9. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  10. "Most Common Last Names in South Africa." Forebears, https://forebears.io/south-africa/surnames
  11. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
  12. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  13. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  14. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's. Retrieved January 6th 2023 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  15. Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0
  16. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 29th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/barwell
  17. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
  18. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 22nd March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/coromandel-and-experiment
  19. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 9th December 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/canada
  20. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  21. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
  22. Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's. Retrieved 23rd September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  23. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's (Retrieved October 4th 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  24. Mount Erebus, Memorial, Roll of Remembrance (Retrieved 2018, February 21st). Retrieved from http://www.erebus.co.nz/memorialandawards/rollofremembrance.aspx
  25. American War Memorials - Flight 1285. (Retrieved 2016, August 24) . Retrieved from http://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=317&MemID=550
  26. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html

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