- robin (n.)
- common European songbird, 1540s, shortening of Robin Redbreast (mid-15c.), from masc. personal name Robin. It ousted the native ruddock, which is related to red. In North America, the name was applied to the red-breasted thrush by 1703. Robin's egg as a shade of blue is attested from 1881.
- Robin
- masc. proper name, from Old French Robin, diminutive of Robert (q.v.). Robin Goodfellow "sportive elf of the English countryside," is first attested 1530s, popular 16-17c.; Robin Hood is at least from late 14c.