robinson was born in cleasby, yorkshire, england in 1645. his parents were john robinson (d. 1651) and elizabeth potter (d. 1688). christopher was one of eight siblings. his younger brother was john robinson, bishop of london and a sister, clara robinson, who married sir edward wood, gentleman usher to queen catherine. a pedigree was created by christopher's brother, john robinson, which traced the family back several generations where it becomes, "obscure". this pedigree was later expanded and published in the virginia magazine of history and biography, a publication of the virginia historical society.