Robby is a name of English origin that is often used as a diminutive or nickname for Robert. It means "bright fame" and is derived from the Germanic name Hrodebert, which consists of the elements hrod, meaning "fame," and beraht, meaning "bright." The name has been in use since the Middle Ages, but it became particularly popular during the Victorian era.
Robby is a short form of Robert, which has been used as a given name for centuries. It was introduced to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066 and became widespread throughout Europe over time. Some famous people named Robert include Robert Burns, the Scottish poet; Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of Treasure Island; and Robert Kennedy, the American politician.
In addition to being a popular given name, Robby has also been used as a surname. It is believed to have originated from a occupational name for a robber or thief, derived from the Middle English word "robber." However, it is more likely that the surname Robby is an Americanized form of the German surname Rohrbach, which means "beer barrel maker."
Overall, Robby is a name with a rich history and meaningful origins. It has been used as both a given name and a surname throughout Europe and North America for centuries. Despite its diminutive nature, it remains a strong and distinctive name that carries a sense of brightness and fame.
"Robby has experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the decades, with a notable peak occurring between 1954 and 1964 where it became a top 10 name for boys. However, since the late 1970s, its usage has consistently declined, becoming quite rare in recent years."