Leroy Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: luh-ROY /ləˈrɔɪ/
Origin: French; English
Meaning: French: 'the king'; English: 'the king'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Leroy has its roots in the Old French term "le roi," which translates to "the king." This phrase was used in medieval France, where it served as a title of respect and nobility. The term made its way into English during the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, when many French words and phrases were adopted into the English language.
The transformation from a phrase denoting royalty to a given name reflects the cultural significance of kingship in medieval society, where names often conveyed status and lineage. Historically, the name Leroy has been associated with various figures of authority and nobility, although specific notable individuals are less documented compared to other names.
The use of Leroy as a personal name became more common in the 19th century, particularly in the United States, where it was embraced by families of French descent and others who sought to evoke a sense of grandeur or heritage. The name's association with royalty and leadership has contributed to its appeal across generations.
Culturally, Leroy embodies themes of strength and dignity, resonating with the ideals of leadership and nobility. It has been featured in various literary works and popular culture, often symbolizing a character with authority or charisma.
The name has also inspired diminutive forms such as Lee, which can be seen as a more casual or affectionate variant. Overall, Leroy's etymological roots and historical significance reflect a deep connection to themes of power and respect, making it a name with enduring cultural resonance.
Famous people named Leroy
Fictional characters named Leroy
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Leroy was first seen in the United States in 1880. Leroy has ranked as high as #121 nationally, which occurred in 1924, and has been most popular in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Illinois, New York, and Louisiana. In the past 5 years the name Leroy has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Leroy (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| PA | 23 | |
| CA | 18 | |
| MI | 17 | |
| TX | 16 | |
| WI | 14 | |
| MN | 14 | |
| OH | 12 | |
| NY | 10 | |
| FL | 10 | |
| IA | 10 | |
| MO | 10 | |
| OR | 9 | |
| NC | 8 | |
| IL | 8 | |
| GA | 8 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 124 |
| 1881 | 129 |
| 1882 | 152 |
| 1883 | 143 |
| 1884 | 154 |
| 1885 | 162 |
| 1886 | 155 |
| 1887 | 177 |
| 1888 | 192 |
| 1889 | 186 |
| 1890 | 236 |
| 1891 | 190 |
| 1892 | 233 |
| 1893 | 244 |
| 1894 | 239 |
| 1895 | 249 |
| 1896 | 278 |
| 1897 | 291 |
| 1898 | 315 |
| 1899 | 269 |
| 1900 | 419 |
| 1901 | 268 |
| 1902 | 370 |
| 1903 | 340 |
| 1904 | 401 |
| 1905 | 441 |
| 1906 | 420 |
| 1907 | 550 |
| 1908 | 523 |
| 1909 | 568 |
| 1910 | 733 |
| 1911 | 706 |
| 1912 | 1,306 |
| 1913 | 1,582 |
| 1914 | 2,004 |
| 1915 | 2,450 |
| 1916 | 2,699 |
| 1917 | 2,951 |
| 1918 | 3,422 |
| 1919 | 3,422 |
| 1920 | 3,549 |
| 1921 | 3,749 |
| 1922 | 3,671 |
| 1923 | 3,686 |
| 1924 | 3,922 |
| 1925 | 3,884 |
| 1926 | 3,808 |
| 1927 | 3,912 |
| 1928 | 3,871 |
| 1929 | 3,818 |
| 1930 | 3,804 |
| 1931 | 3,648 |
| 1932 | 3,677 |
| 1933 | 3,357 |
| 1934 | 3,774 |
| 1935 | 3,918 |
| 1936 | 3,644 |
| 1937 | 3,555 |
| 1938 | 3,491 |
| 1939 | 3,388 |
| 1940 | 3,311 |
| 1941 | 3,524 |
| 1942 | 3,717 |
| 1943 | 3,740 |
| 1944 | 3,409 |
| 1945 | 3,172 |
| 1946 | 3,471 |
| 1947 | 3,347 |
| 1948 | 3,234 |
| 1949 | 2,938 |
| 1950 | 2,835 |
| 1951 | 2,716 |
| 1952 | 2,645 |
| 1953 | 2,579 |
| 1954 | 2,639 |
| 1955 | 2,415 |
| 1956 | 2,352 |
| 1957 | 2,316 |
| 1958 | 2,074 |
| 1959 | 2,018 |
| 1960 | 1,867 |
| 1961 | 1,829 |
| 1962 | 1,703 |
| 1963 | 1,644 |
| 1964 | 1,585 |
| 1965 | 1,538 |
| 1966 | 1,349 |
| 1967 | 1,277 |
| 1968 | 1,197 |
| 1969 | 1,230 |
| 1970 | 1,169 |
| 1971 | 1,012 |
| 1972 | 916 |
| 1973 | 807 |
| 1974 | 773 |
| 1975 | 799 |
| 1976 | 760 |
| 1977 | 735 |
| 1978 | 707 |
| 1979 | 730 |
| 1980 | 699 |
| 1981 | 616 |
| 1982 | 674 |
| 1983 | 524 |
| 1984 | 530 |
| 1985 | 539 |
| 1986 | 540 |
| 1987 | 499 |
| 1988 | 490 |
| 1989 | 488 |
| 1990 | 504 |
| 1991 | 449 |
| 1992 | 414 |
| 1993 | 361 |
| 1994 | 339 |
| 1995 | 341 |
| 1996 | 308 |
| 1997 | 308 |
| 1998 | 279 |
| 1999 | 252 |
| 2000 | 252 |
| 2001 | 215 |
| 2002 | 218 |
| 2003 | 225 |
| 2004 | 222 |
| 2005 | 187 |
| 2006 | 211 |
| 2007 | 195 |
| 2008 | 231 |
| 2009 | 201 |
| 2010 | 219 |
| 2011 | 187 |
| 2012 | 225 |
| 2013 | 206 |
| 2014 | 191 |
| 2015 | 209 |
| 2016 | 230 |
| 2017 | 227 |
| 2018 | 250 |
| 2019 | 224 |
| 2020 | 242 |
| 2021 | 254 |
| 2022 | 281 |
| 2023 | 270 |
| 2024 | 278 |