Namemas: Robin

For this 4th day of Namemas I had so many bird names to pick from but ultimately went with a name that has a Christmas association besides just the 12 days of Christmas song. Read to find out!

History

Robin is the medieval diminutive of Robert, possibly from Robin Hood. Other sources say Robin could be a nickname for Robert. In England the name is used more often on boys while in the United States it is used more for girls. As a surname Robin is popular in France. 

Famous Wearers

Robin Williams is an American actor and comedian staring in movies from Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, Aladdin, Dead Poets Society, and so much more. In 2014 he died from suicide shocking many of his fans. His death could have possibly been the reason why robin popped back onto the top 1000 charts in 2015 after not being used for boys since 1999. 

Robin Roberts is a famous female bearer who can be found on ABC's Good Morning America. In 2012 the show broadcasted her journey and treatment with myelodysplasia syndrome, a cancer. 

Robin Gayle Wright is most famous for her role as Jenny in Forrest Gump. Before that she played the Princess Bride in the movie with the same name. She has had many award nominations and even won a Golden Globe. 

Fictional Robins 

Although Robin is a unisex name, it started out on boys. Robin Hood first appeared in the 13th and 14th centuries as a character from English folktale. He went around stealing from the rich to give to the poor. Movies and books were made from the legend. 

Christopher Robin was the human character in A.A. Milne's book series Winnie the Pooh. It first appeared in the 1920s and is still a staple character for children all over the world. 

Robin is the hero sidekick of D.C Comic's Batman. He made his first appearance in 1940. The character was introduced as a way to attract a younger audience to the comics. Since then Robin has been around since in countless movies, books, shows, and comics. 

Robin is a main character from the tv show How I Met Your Mother. Another fictional female Robin is from the popular Netlifx show Stranger Things. 

Christmas Association

On the fourth day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

4 Calling Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

There are many, many bird names out there that could work for today's name but I settled on Robin because of it's Christmas association. Robin Redbreasts are often found on Christmas cards and decorations. But they have deeper roots than just winter birds. There is a legend out there that said a brown robin was in the manager when delivered Jesus. While Mary was distracted the fire being used to keep baby Jesus warm became too strong and the robin stood between the fire and Jesus. It became scorched and passed its redbreast down for generations. 

Another reasons robins are associated with Christmas is after the 1880s post men of England. They wore red coats and were nicknamed robins. Families looked forward to cards from loved ones being delivered by these robins.