How common is the Robert surname?

There are approximately 170,000 people with the surname Robert in the United States.

Are there Robert soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 1,530 soldiers with the Robert surname appear in Civil War records.

Robert

Q: What does the surname Robert mean?

The surname Robert means "Bright fame, from Germanic 'hrod' (fame) and 'berht' (bright).". It is of Germanic origin.

Patronymic

Meaning

Bright fame, from Germanic 'hrod' (fame) and 'berht' (bright).

Etymology

Derived from the Germanic personal name 'Robert', composed of 'hrod' (fame) and 'berht' (bright, famous). The surname originated as a patronymic from this extremely popular personal name in medieval France.

About the Robert Surname

A patronymic surname derived from the Germanic personal name Robert, indicating descent from an ancestor with that name. It has been extremely common in France since the medieval period.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 170,000 bearers in the United States #276 most common surname

Rare Common

One of the most common surnames in France and throughout the French-speaking world.

Robert Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

B.H. Robert

Henry M. Robert

President General

Quick Facts

Origin: Germanic
Classification: Patronymic
Estimated Bearers: 170,000

War Records

1,530 soldiers with the Robert surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →