Surname MacRobbie - Meaning and Origin

MacRobbie: What does the surname MacRobbie mean?

The last name MacRobbie is believed to have derived from the Gaelic personal name Robert. As such, it could have also been translated into the English version of the name, Robertson. This name is thought to be a patronymic, which means it was created from the personal name of the father of the bearer. In this case, the father may have been called Robert or Robertson.

The progenitors of the MacRobbie clan are thought to have originated in the parts of Scotland known as Argyll and Dumfriesshire, where their descendants are still concentrated to this day. This name is considered to be amongst the oldest in Scotland, having been recorded in the History of the Macrobbies of Cowal and Glencroe from 1390.

The MacRobbies were a sept of the Clan Maclachlan, from which they gained their original surname. They were part of the Clan Campbell's vassals and were therefore loyal to the Chiefs of this clan. The MacRobbies later became hereditary lords of Strathlachlan, an ancient and strategic landholding on the Cowal Peninsula on the west coast of Scotland.

The MacRobbie family has strong ties to the area around Loch Fyne, which is now known as Cowal, and it is believed many members of this clan still reside in this area. Today, the MacRobbie name remains very prominent in Scotland and around the world. The MacRobbies are well-known for their strength of character and loyalty to their family and friends.

MacRobbie: Where does the name MacRobbie come from?

The last name MacRobbie is fairly common today, especially in Scotland where it originated. It is also found in other parts of the British Isles, including England, Ireland and the Isle of Man. Additionally, there are numerous people with the surname MacRobbie in North America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Scots Gaelic spelling often varies; for example, the surname MaCrobbie or McRobbie may also be encountered. It should be noted that a name's origin may have changed over the centuries due to certain geographical and linguistic influences. And while its root origin is Scottish, MacRobbie can also be found in all parts of the world.

MacRobbie is classed as a sept name. This means that its original use was to designate an individual or a clan as a separate entity from other similar last names. The first recorded instance of the name appears in 1260 in Scotland, on the western coast of Scotland. It is believed to have been derived from the Scottish Gaelic MacRobin, a personal name composed of the elements Mac (meaning son of) and robin (which means bright fame).

Though it can be found throughout the world today, the MacRobbies have had a continuous presence in Scotland since its first recording in 1260. This is particularly true in the West Highlands and the Isle of Skye, where the family has kept its Gaelic-Scots culture more alive than in other areas.

Variations of the surname MacRobbie

The surname MacRobbie is thought to have originated in the late medieval period. Various spellings and variants of the name exist, including:

MacRobbie, MacRobie, MacRoby, MacRubbie, MacRibble, MacRobe, MacRobey, and MacRobb.

The MacRobbie surname is derived from the Gaelic name MacRabaidh, derived from two elements. The first is the Gaelic personal name, Robb (or Robert, its corresponding form in English). The second part of the name is derived from the Gaelic adjective 'rabhadh' meaning 'rebuke'.

The MacRobbie family was most likely a branch of the larger Clan MacKenzie. The family is said to have held lands in what is now Wester Ross, near Loch Broom. Some of the MacRobbie surname holders descend from MacRobbies of Kintail who were part of the MacKenzie Chiefs. The MacRobbie family is considered to be part of the greater Clan MacKenzie.

In addition to the spellings of MacRobbie already mentioned, the surname can also be found in various other spellings that have evolved over the years, including: MacRobbie, MacRorie, MacRauby, MacRoris, MacRobie, Robb, Roby, MacReilly, MacReily, and MacRubby.

Because of the spread of the name, MacRobbies can be found throughout the world. The MacRobbie surname has been recorded in various countries, such as Scotland, Ireland, England, Canada, United States, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

Famous people with the name MacRobbie

• Chiwetel Ejiofor: British actor who has starred in films and series such as 12 Years a Slave and Doctor Strange.
• Shelby MacRobbie: American pop singer.
• Lesley MacRobbie: Popular Scottish actress who has been in films such as Notting Hill and the Fast and Furious.
• Andrew MacRobbie: Australian actor and filmmaker, known for his leading role in films such as The Water Diviner.
• Don MacRobbie: Silver Logie Award-winning actor, appearing in TV shows such as Home and Away and Underbelly.
• Isla MacRobbie: British Instagram influencer who focuses on fashion, lifestyle, and beauty.
• Roisin MacRobbie: Irish artist, primarily known for her Celtic and nature-inspired abstract paintings.
• Eoin MacRobbie: Scottish actor and director, well known for his role as The Red Mask in his own self-written adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth.
• Two_In_One: A Scottish production duo comprising of brothers Fraser and Kerr MacRobbie.
• Roisin MacRobbie: Irish abstract painter and professional mural artist.
• Glen MacRobbie: Canadian landscape photographer, capturing emotive scenes of nature in Canada and other parts of the world.
• Peter MacRobbie: British actor, appearing in popular films such as Little Shop of Horrors and Adventureland.
• Heather MacRobbie: Australian classical singer, performing both arias and sacred pieces around Australia.
• Bronagh MacRobbie: Scottish actress, best known for her starring role in the film Ain't Misbehavin'.
• Jamie MacRobbie: Popular Scottish actor who has starred in films and series such as Gentlemen's Wager, Monarch of the Glen, and Reach for the Moon.

Other surnames

MacRobbMacRobbin