Robian History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

Etymology of Robian

What does the name Robian mean?

The Strathclyde-Briton people of ancient Scotland were the first to use the name Robian. The Robian family lived in Peeblesshire. The Robian surname was also a patronymic name created from the personal name Robin, a pet form of Robert. 1

"That Robin was early considered a diminutive of Robert is shown by an entry in 1483 where the same individual is referred to as Robyne of Hall and Robert of Hall." 2

Early Origins of the Robian family

The surname Robian was first found in Peeblesshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd nam Pùballan), former county in South-central Scotland, in the present day Scottish Borders Council Area, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Robian family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Robian research. Another 55 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Robian History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Robian Spelling Variations

Medieval Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. This is due to the fact that scribes in that era spelled according to the sound of words, rather than any set of rules. Robian has been spelled Robbins, Robbyns, Robens, Robins, Robin and others.

Early Notables of the Robian family

More information is included under the topic Early Robian Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Robian family

Many Scots were left with few options other than to leave their homeland for the colonies across the Atlantic. Some of these families fought to defend their newfound freedom in the American War of Independence. Others went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of these families have recently been able to rediscover their roots through Clan societies and other Scottish organizations. Among them: Edward, Alice, Dorothy, Henry, John, Judith, Joseph, Rachel, Rebecca, Robert, Sam, Thomas Robins all arrived in Virginia between 1635 and 1660; Samuel Robbins settled in New England in 1635.

The Robian Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Vivit post funera virtus
Motto Translation: Virtue lives after death

Sources +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)