Surname Robarts - Meaning and Origin

Robarts: What does the surname Robarts mean?

The surname Robarts is of English origin and is believed to be derived from the Germanic name "Robert." The name Robert is a combination of two words, "hrod," which means "fame," and "behrt," meaning "bright" or "famed." Therefore, Robarts can be interpreted to mean "fame-bright" or "fame-famed". Like many surnames, it started as a given name and then evolved into a family name. Multiple variations of this surname exist, like Roberts, Robert, Robart, and Robarts, which occurred due to differing spellings over the centuries and across regions. It became popular in England after being introduced by the Normans in the 6th century. Please note that meanings of surnames can be speculative as they've born from diverse sources like occupations, familial characteristics, and geographic locations, among others.

Robarts: Where does the name Robarts come from?

The last name Robarts is most commonly found in the United Kingdom and North America today.

In the United Kingdom, Robarts is an English surname with origins in the Anglo-Saxon language. The surname was derived from the occupational name of a person who worked as a ferryman or worked on a ferry boat. This is likely why the name is clustered in the areas along the coast of northern England and Wales. The surname was later adopted by many English settlers in the colonies of North America and is now present in many countries.

In North America, Robarts is a rare surname, but it predominately found in the United States and Canada. It is more densely populated in the Northeastern and Midwestern states, as many early settlers traveled westward from the original colonies. In the 1600s, many British and Irish immigrants arrived in the area now known as New England, and it is likely that the Robarts surname came with them.

In the United States, the Robarts surname is still clustered around the original colonies, and the name can be found in the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. The Robarts surname is also present in the states of Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and California.

The Alexander Robarts line is one of the oldest recorded lines of the surname and it originated in England. Today, Robarts can be found spread across countries and continents, but it's predominantly found in the United Kingdom and North America.

Variations of the surname Robarts

The surname Robarts can be variantly spelled and used as surnames of similar origin. Examples of these variants are Robarts, Robarts, Robarts, Robers, Robbers, Robards, Roberson, Roberds, Robersons, Robington, and Robinsons.

Robarts is an Old English surname, derived from the Old English personal name of Robert. The name literally translates to “bright fame” and was often given to those of notable talent or power. For many generations, Robarts was the family name of barons who were owners and tenants of land in different counties in England.

Robarts is a typical spelling of the surname, but it is often spelled as Robers, Robbers, Robards, Roberson, Roberds, Robersons, Robington, or Robinsons. Robers and Robards are alternate spellings of Robarts, while Roberson, Roberds, Robersons, Robington, and Robinsons are similar surnames that may or may not originate from the same source.

The numerous variant spellings of the surname Robarts suggest a long-spanning history for the family name. It has been known to be Anglicized for simplicity and variations in pronunciation, lending itself to the many spellings that exist today. Although, the spelling of the surname Robarts may differ, many if not all variant spellings likely have their roots in a single ancestor or family line.

Famous people with the name Robarts

• Lindsay Robarts: Canadian runner known for competing in numerous marathons.
• Chris Robarts: Former British hockey player and coach.
• Tom Robarts: Canadian actor who starred in the television series The Crow: Stairway to Heaven.
• Patrick Robarts: Canadian politician and former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
• Ella Robarts: British writer and poet.
• Alastair Robarts: British actor who appeared in films and television series, including The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
• Kay Robarts: Canadian singer and songwriter.
• Lillian Robarts: Canadian historian and professor at the University of Victoria.
• Rich Robarts: Canadian-born folk musician.
• Elisha Robarts: British engineer and inventor of the Robarts Steam Carriage, the first steam-powered automobile.

Other surnames

Robart