Surname MacRobert - Meaning and Origin
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MacRobert: What does the surname MacRobert mean?
The surname MacRobert is of Scottish origin and is an anglicisation of the Gaelic personal name MacRaibeirt. The Gaelic personal name is derived from the combination of two words – 'mac' meaning 'son of' and 'Raibeirt' deriving from 'Rob' which is an ancient personal name meaning 'fame'. Translated, the surname MacRobert therefore means 'son of fame-bright'. It is primarily found in the region of Ross and Cromarty in the Highlands of Scotland. This clan is closely related to the MacLeods, sharing the same ancestor. The MacRobert clan is said to have descended from the same dynasty as the Scottish kings.
The MacRobert clan were amongst the first to settle in Scotland. From as early as the 11th century, they are found in records of settlement in the area of Ross and Cromarty. The history of this clan is filled with many tales and legends, going back through the centuries. One of the most famous legends features a double-handed sword owned by the great Chief Robert MacRobert. This sword is said to have been seven feet in length, and its owner is the subject of many tales.
The MacRobert clan were well-known, respected and feared across Scotland. They historically took part in many battles on Highland soil. Over time, the clan buried their dead in the MacRobert grave in Rosemarkie. This ancient grave site is said to have gone back to the time of Robert MacRobert and is still in existence today.
The MacRobert surname has been passed down through many generations, but its history lives on in the folklore and tales that still surround it. It has come to mean a representation of great courage and strength, with the double-handed sword of Chief Robert becoming a symbol of the MacRobert clan.
Order DNA origin analysisMacRobert: Where does the name MacRobert come from?
The last name MacRobert is most commonly found in North America, particularly Canada and the United States. The name is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic MacRuairidh. Mac meaning “son of” and Ruairidh, a Scottish name derived from the Old Norse personal name Hróðgeirr which means “famous spearman”.
In Scotland, people of the MacRobert name still live in the Highlands and on some off-shore islands, notably Skye. There are also MacRobert families living in Northern Ireland, England, Australia, and New Zealand.
The name MacRobert is often associated with a small settlement just north of the Cairngorms mountain range in Scotland, now commonly known as MacRobert. This is where the clan MacRobert may have first settled in Scotland in the 11th century, when they were displaced from Ireland during the Norman invasions.
In Canada, MacRoberts can be found mainly in the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, as well as in Ontario. USA states with MacRoberts populations include Texas, Washington, and Pennsylvania.
Today, the MacRobert name is a testament to the history of the Scottish diaspora and to the struggles and successes of its families over the centuries.
Variations of the surname MacRobert
The surname MacRobert is derived from a Gaelic patronymic which means son of Robert. There are various variants, spellings and surnames which stem from the same origin.
The most common variants for MacRobert include McRobert, McRobbie, McRobb, McRobbin, MacRobb, MacRobbie and MacRobbin.
McRobb is an anglicised version of the surname, most likely stemming from a strong Scottish influence in the area where the family originated.
Other spellings of the name include MacRobart, MacRobbeth, MacRobbert, MacRobeth, and MacRobie.
There are also some common surnames which have a similar origin - Robert and Roberts.
Robert is a patronymic surname which has been derived from the first name of Robert. There are various spellings which are associated with the surname such as Robertson, Robin, Robison, Robins and Robishaw.
Roberts is another variation of the same origin, typically anglicised versions of surnames with roots in Wales. Other variants include Robarts and Robers.
Overall, the surname MacRobert has various variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. All of these spellings have been derived from the first name Robert, which means "bright fame".
Famous people with the name MacRobert
- Donald MacRobert (1841–1930): Scottish poet
- Alastair MacRobert (1923–2006): Chief of The MacRobert Trust
- Peter MacRobert (1871–1934): Canadian logician and mathematician
- Robert MacRobert (1844–1923): Scottish zoologist and ornithologist
- Robert Ritchie MacRobert (1868–1951): Canadian journalist and politician
- William MacRobert (1876–1949): Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross
- Douglas MacRobert (1880–1954): Scottish recipient of the Distinguished Service Order
- Sir Duncan MacRobert (1884–1962): British military officer and colonial governor
- William "Billy" MacRobert (1917–1985): Canadian pilot who flew in WWII
- Angus MacRobert (born 1958): Scottish Anglican Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane