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Joy Girl

Popularity: #393 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationjoy / /dʒɔɪ/

English; Latin

Meaning

English: joy; Latin: rejoice

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Joy derives from the Latin word "gaudia," meaning joy or delight, which evolved into the Old French "joie" before entering the English language in the Middle Ages. The transition into English can be traced back to the Norman Conquest of the 11th century, when many Old French terms permeated English vocabulary. The name Joy, as a given name, began to be used in English-speaking regions around the 13th century, reflecting a broader trend of adopting names that expressed positive emotions and virtues during this period.

Historically, the name Joy has been associated with various cultural and religious contexts. In Christian tradition, joy is a significant theme, often linked to the teachings of Jesus and the concept of spiritual happiness. The term appears in various biblical texts, including the Psalms, where joy is frequently mentioned as a divine gift. The King James Bible, published in 1611, further popularized the term within the English-speaking world, reinforcing its positive connotations. Throughout the centuries, Joy has been used not only as a name but also as a descriptor for a state of being, reflecting the importance of happiness in human experience.

Culturally, the name Joy has resonated with various artistic and literary works, symbolizing hope and positivity. It has been embraced in literature and music, often representing an ideal state of emotional fulfillment. The name's simplicity and positive meaning have contributed to its enduring appeal across generations. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Joycie have emerged in some cultures, showcasing the name's adaptability and affectionate usage. Overall, Joy encapsulates a universal aspiration for happiness and contentment, making it a timeless choice in the realm of names.

Trend Summary

The name Joy has seen a steady presence in the U.S. popularity charts, often ranking within the top 500 names.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Joie

International Variants

  • Joya (Spanish)
  • Joie (French)

Famous people named Joy

Fictional characters named Joy

Joy is a fictional character from the animated film Inside Out. She is the personification of happiness and plays a crucial role in guiding the emotions of a young girl named Riley.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Joy was first seen in the United States in 1885. Joy has ranked as high as #270 nationally, which occurred in 1957, and has been most popular in California, New York, Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Joy has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Joy (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 100
15%
CA 70
11%
FL 53
8%
VA 37
6%
NY 35
5%
PA 24
4%
NJ 24
4%
IL 22
3%
NC 21
3%
AZ 20
3%
WA 19
3%
GA 18
3%
MA 17
3%
MD 17
3%
IN 16
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18859
18866
18877
188810
188920
189010
189114
189216
189310
189421
189524
189618
189730
189820
189923
190027
190125
190238
190330
190436
190538
190640
190738
190838
190954
191048
191163
191268
1913120
1914158
1915190
1916214
1917256
1918303
1919322
1920376
1921392
1922447
1923540
1924578
1925772
1926892
19271,127
19281,091
19291,138
19301,268
19311,224
19321,361
19331,291
19341,342
19351,349
19361,483
19371,236
19381,372
19391,259
19401,310
19411,550
19421,592
19431,610
19441,456
19451,390
19461,573
19471,815
19481,627
19491,642
19501,775
19512,012
19522,276
19532,307
19542,367
19552,389
19562,819
19572,929
19582,764
19592,880
19602,776
19612,608
19622,427
19632,181
19642,219
19651,975
19662,090
19671,886
19681,904
19691,691
19701,773
19711,826
19721,817
19731,697
19742,757
19752,306
19762,076
19772,100
19781,946
19791,821
19801,717
19811,622
19821,335
19831,191
19841,155
19851,123
19861,036
1987862
1988837
1989802
1990697
1991710
1992616
1993632
1994589
1995593
1996587
1997580
1998583
1999596
2000607
2001580
2002590
2003583
2004615
2005584
2006608
2007604
2008575
2009587
2010631
2011585
2012622
2013651
2014698
2015734
2016954
2017968
2018902
2019917
2020788
2021779
2022685
2023680
2024702