Robbie Williams's Real Name: Robert Peter Williams

Quick answer: Robbie Williams was born Robert Peter Williams on February 13, 1974, in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Robbie is a familiar form of Robert. He joined Take That at 16, went solo in the mid-1990s, and became one of Britain's best-selling solo artists. In January 2026 his album Britpop became his 16th UK No. 1 album, passing the Beatles' record (Biography.com; Official Charts).

Real name and early life

The Library of Congress name authority files him as "Williams, Robbie," with the variant "Williams, Robert Peter." It notes "b. Feb. 13, 1974; member of Take That." Biography.com also says he "was born Robert Peter Williams on February 13, 1974, in Stoke-on-Trent, England."

Biography.com says his mother, Janet, divorced his father, entertainer Pete Conway, when Robbie was 3. He grew up with his mother and his stepsister, Sally. He acted in local plays and spent school holidays watching his father perform comedy. At 16 he was selling double glazing when his mother told him about an audition for a new boy band.

Career highlights

He won his place by singing Jason Donovan's "Nothing Can Divide Us," joining Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Howard Donald, and Jason Orange in Take That. The group earned six No. 1 singles and three No. 1 albums during his time with them. Williams left the band at 21, and his first solo hit was a cover of George Michael's "Freedom."

His debut solo album, Life Thru a Lens (1997), got a lukewarm critical reception. Its single "Angels," however, sold more than 800,000 copies and spent over three months in the top 10. A run of hit albums followed, including I've Been Expecting You (1998), Sing When You're Winning (2000), Swing When You're Winning (2001), Escapology (2002), Intensive Care (2005), Rudebox (2006), Take the Crown (2012), Swings Both Ways (2013), and The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016). In 2010 he rejoined Take That for the album Progress, and in 2004 he was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame.

Official Charts reported on January 23, 2026, that Britpop, his 13th studio album, gave him a 16th solo No. 1, the most of any act in UK chart history. It added that 2009's Reality Killed the Video Star, which peaked at No. 2, is his only studio album not to reach No. 1. The BBC said the cover recreates a 1995 Glastonbury photo from the episode that led to his exit from Take That. He married actress Ayda Field in 2010.

Name notes for searchers

Robert is his legal first name, and Robbie its familiar form. Peter is his middle name, and Williams his family surname.