Where Does the family clan name Robat Come From?
This question has been asked of me several times usually from people associated who have Cruz or Guerrero ancestral lineage. Coincidently, my wife happens to be from the Manggåfan Robat through the Guerrero surname.
However, according to long time Chamorro genealogist and historian Anthony Ramirez, Robat is derivative of the surname Roberts or Roberto.
Of course one of the challenges I have as with others who have raised the question is that we have not been able to make the connection with the Cruz or Guerrero surname with the Roberto surname. Well, at least not yet. But what if there is no connection with the Roberts/Roberto surname?
There may be other possibilities why the Manggåfan Robat lives within other surnames. Some possibilities to consider:
- It might be hidden through the maternal maiden surname
- It’s possible that a child may have been born out of wedlock fathered by a Roberts/Roberto
- It might have derived from a first name of Roberts/Roberto and not a surname.
- Other?
The bottom line remains with research perseverance and how important the question is to you to try and find an answer. Tony Ramirez spent a lot time with the manamko towards documenting his work and findings. Therefore, I would also suggest one seriously consider asking the manamko to document interviews with them. We have so many knowledge gaps in our Chamorro ancestry and heritage.
There’s an interesting story waiting to be told and documented. We just have to make the time and effort to go after it!
