Robin

♀ Girl

Pronounced ROB-in /ˈrɒb.ɪn/High

Meaning: Medieval diminutive of Robert, from Old French Robin, itself from Old High German Hrodebert meaning 'bright fame'; secondarily associated with the robin bird, whose red breast made it a beloved symbol in English cultureHigh

In 30 seconds: Robin has been a quietly beloved name for girls since the mid-20th century, evoking both the cheerful red-breasted bird and a sense of gentle independence. It remains a charming, understated vintage choice.

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Origin HighOld French, Old High German

MeaningMedieval diminutive of Robert, from Old French Robin, itself from Old High German Hrodebert meaning 'bright fame'; secondarily associated with the robin bird, whose red breast made it a beloved symbol in English culture

U.S. rank (2025)#704 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births400 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1961

Total births (all-time)≈ 291,958

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Robin began as a medieval pet form of Robert, popular in England and France during the Middle Ages. The legendary outlaw Robin Hood made the name iconic. Over time Robin drifted toward feminine use in the 20th century, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom, where the bird association gave it a natural, earthy feminine quality.

Robin peaked as a girls name in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. It declined somewhat as more distinctive names rose, but has recently experienced a quiet revival as parents seek vintage nature-adjacent names that are recognizable without being overly common.

Did you know? The robin redbreast has been England's unofficial national bird since a poll in 1960, and the name Robin has carried warm, springlike associations for centuries — one reason it found favor as a girls name distinct from its masculine Robert origins.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Robin — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RobynRobbinRobbyn

Nicknames

RobRobiBirdie

Famous Bearers

★Robin Wright (1966–present)
American actress known for House of Cards and The Princess Bride.
★Robin Roberts (1960–present)
American television broadcaster and co-anchor of Good Morning America.

If you like Robin…

Wren— shares the sweet bird-name quality with a similarly understated vintage charm

Robin

Marlowe— fellow soft two-syllable name with a gently literary and vintage feel for girls

Raven— another bird-derived name with a strong, independent feminine character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Robin mean for a girl?

Robin means 'bright fame' as a diminutive of Robert, and is also associated with the robin bird, giving it a cheerful, natural quality when used for girls.

How do you pronounce Robin?

Robin is pronounced ROB-in /ˈrɒb.ɪn/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Robin more of a boy or girl name?

Robin has been used for both, but in the United States it leaned more feminine from the mid-20th century onward.

Is Robin making a comeback?

Yes, Robin is experiencing a quiet revival as parents rediscover vintage mid-century names and bird names for girls.