Roberts

Roberts is a surname of English and Welsh origin. It is a patronymic derived from the given name Robert, meaning “son of Robert.” The given name Robert itself comes from the Germanic elements hrod, meaning fame, and beraht, meaning bright.

The surname is common in English-speaking countries, especially in Wales and England, and in North America. It has several related spellings and forms, including Robertson (Scottish) and Robarts or Roberson. The name spread widely with migration and remains a frequent surname in modern times.

Notable bearers include Julia Roberts, an American actress; her brother Eric Roberts, also an actor; and John G. Roberts Jr., the Chief Justice of the United States. The name appears across many professions, from entertainment to politics and sports, reflecting its broad distribution in populations that use patronymic naming conventions.

Geographically, there are places named Roberts in the United States and in other English-speaking countries, including towns and counties, as well as geographic features bearing the name. In onomastic studies, Roberts is cited as a common example of a patronymic surname formed from a medieval given name that remained prevalent into the modern era. Variants and related forms, such as Robertson, illustrate regional naming patterns that developed in different parts of the British Isles.