Robertson Family Crest and Surname Origin
A short guide to the Robertson surname: its meaning, its roots in Scotland, and its heraldry.
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Origin of the Robertson name
Robertson means "son of Robert", a Germanic name from hrod, "fame", and berht, "bright", made popular in Scotland by Robert the Bruce. In Perthshire it is the name of Clan Donnachaidh, whose chiefs took it from Robert Riabhach, a fifteenth-century chief of Struan in Atholl. Robertson is one of the most common surnames in Scotland.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Robertson name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Robertson name in Scotland. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
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The researched Robertson pack traces meaning, early bearers and migration routes, and includes a personalized Robertson coat of arms.
Robertson name FAQ
What does the Robertson name mean?
Son of Robert ("bright fame"). Common variants include Robson, Robinson, Roberts.
Where does the Robertson surname come from?
It originates in Scotland, and is also found in Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Is there a Robertson coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Robertson crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Robertson coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: George F. Black, The Surnames of Scotland (New York Public Library, 1946); Reaney & Wilson, Dictionary of English Surnames; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford); US Census Bureau 2010.