A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Robin since 1881
Babies named Robin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 22 |
| 1890s | 0 | 25 |
| 1900s | 11 | 45 |
| 1910s | 91 | 202 |
| 1920s | 303 | 480 |
| 1930s | 717 | 919 |
| 1940s | 6,169 | 3,685 |
| 1950s | 82,423 | 15,225 |
| 1960s | 118,327 | 10,848 |
| 1970s | 45,943 | 4,571 |
| 1980s | 22,694 | 3,832 |
| 1990s | 8,501 | 2,309 |
| 2000s | 2,581 | 1,227 |
| 2010s | 2,183 | 1,710 |
| 2020s | 2,018 | 1,852 |
Meaning & origin
Robin has a dual heritage: as a diminutive of Robert and as a bird name. First recorded in the U.S. in 1904, it reached its peak popularity in 1961 during the height of the baby boom. In 2025, it stands at rank 704 with 1 in 4,018 newborns receiving the name, and its trajectory shows a steady rise in use since 2010, reflecting a revival of vintage names. The name is most popular in Idaho, Colorado, and Nevada. Its enduring appeal lies in its nature imagery and friendly sound, making it a classic choice that spans generations.
Robin originated as a medieval diminutive form of Robert, itself from Old High German Hrodebert meaning 'bright fame.' The name became associated with the bird (the robin redbreast) due to the popularity of the given name, leading to its use as a independent first name from the 19th century onward. As a unisex name, it gained particular currency in the 20th century, often influenced by the character of Robin Hood and the bird symbolism.
Where Robin is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Robin” around the world
Where Robin lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#49
in 2024
Ireland
28
babies in 2025
New Zealand
13
babies in 2025
Quebec
#32
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Robby, Bobby, Ro, Bin
Sibling names for Robin
Names that share Robin's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Robin
Names whose popularity has moved with Robin's over the last 50 years.
