Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Robyn
GirlEnglish, Germanic· “bright fame; also the robin bird”
- Meaning
- bright fame; also the robin bird
- Origin
- English, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- RAH-buhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,441
- US babies 2025
- 150
- Best rank
- #169 (1974)
- Peak year
- 1964
Meaning and origin of Robyn
Robyn is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “bright fame; also the robin bird”.
Robyn is a variant of Robin, which began as a medieval diminutive of Robert, from the Germanic hrod, "fame," and beraht, "bright," giving the meaning "bright fame." The name is also linked to the robin, a songbird with a red breast. The legendary outlaw Robin Hood gave the name enduring fame. The y spelling became especially associated with girls. Robyn has a cheerful, two-syllable sound, and Rob and Robbie are possible nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Robbin.
Popularity over time
Robyn first appears in US Social Security records in 1921. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 60 different years, starting in 1945. Its best national rank was #169 in 1974, and the most babies received it in 1964, when 1,882 were named Robyn. In 2025, 150 babies were named Robyn, and it ranked #1,441 nationally. That is 40% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #440 in 1950, #182 in 1980, #683 in 2000, #1,479 in 2010, and #1,441 in 2025. Of the 63,364 US girls named Robyn since records began, 24% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 14,684 babies. Since 2010, 3,266 more have been named Robyn.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Ronda, Karla, Deneen, Lora, and Tammie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Robyn ranked highest in California, Texas, and Tennessee.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #1019 | 27 |
| Texas | #1150 | 24 |
| Tennessee | #1274 | 5 |
| New York | #1297 | 11 |
| North Carolina | #1407 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Robyn over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Robyn is usually pronounced RAH-buhn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with R and ends in “-yn”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Robbin.
Middle names for Robyn
A few middle names that flow with Robyn: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Robyn
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Lists that include Robyn
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Robyn mean?
Robyn is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “bright fame; also the robin bird”.
What is the origin of the name Robyn?
Robyn has English and Germanic roots. Robyn is a variant of Robin, which began as a medieval diminutive of Robert, from the Germanic hrod, "fame," and beraht, "bright," giving the meaning "bright fame." The name is also linked to the robin, a songbird with a red breast.
Is Robyn a popular name?
Not especially. Robyn ranked #1,441 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Robyn a boy or girl name?
Robyn is mainly a girl's name. About 98% of US babies named Robyn over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Robyn?
Robyn is usually pronounced RAH-buhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings