Roberts vs. Robertson

Attribute	Roberts	Robertson
Founder	John Roberts	William Robertson
Year Founded	1962	1992
Location	United States	United Kingdom
Focus	Consumer electronics retail	Education and publishing

Background

Roberts and Robertson are two popular surnames that have been around for centuries. Both names have English origins and are derived from the given name Robert, which means "bright fame." While they share a common root, there are distinct differences between the two surnames in terms of history, distribution, and cultural significance.

History

The surname Roberts has a long history dating back to medieval England. It is derived from the Old Germanic name Hrodebert, which means "bright fame." The name was brought to England by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066 and quickly became popular among the nobility. Over time, the surname Roberts spread throughout the country and is now one of the most common surnames in England and Wales.

On the other hand, the surname Robertson has Scottish origins. It is a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robert." The name first appeared in Scotland in the 13th century and was used to distinguish the descendants of a man named Robert. The Robertson clan played a significant role in Scottish history and were known for their loyalty to the crown. Today, the surname Robertson is most commonly found in Scotland and the United States.

Distribution

Roberts is a widespread surname that can be found in many English-speaking countries around the world. In addition to England and Wales, the surname is common in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is estimated that there are over 1 million people with the surname Roberts worldwide, making it one of the most common surnames in the English-speaking world.

Robertson, on the other hand, is more concentrated in Scotland and the United States. The surname is particularly common in the Scottish Highlands and the southern United States, where many Scottish immigrants settled. While there are Robertsons in other countries as well, the name is most prevalent in these two regions. Overall, there are around 200,000 people with the surname Robertson worldwide.

Cultural Significance

Both the surnames Roberts and Robertson have played important roles in their respective cultures. In England, the surname Roberts is associated with nobility and leadership. Many prominent figures in English history have borne the surname Roberts, including military leaders, politicians, and artists. The name is often seen as a symbol of strength and resilience.

On the other hand, the surname Robertson is closely tied to Scottish heritage and clan loyalty. The Robertson clan has a rich history of defending Scotland and supporting the monarchy. The name is often associated with qualities such as honor, courage, and loyalty. Many Robertsons take pride in their Scottish roots and participate in clan gatherings and events.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both Roberts and Robertson share a common origin in the name Robert, they have distinct histories, distributions, and cultural significances. Roberts is a widespread surname with a long history in England and Wales, while Robertson is more concentrated in Scotland and the United States. Both names have played important roles in their respective cultures and continue to be popular choices for families around the world.