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Roy Boy

Popularity: #472 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationROY / rɔɪ

Old French; Latin

Meaning

Old French: king; Latin: red-haired

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Roy has its roots in the Old French word "roi," which translates to "king." This term itself derives from the Latin "rex," meaning "king," which can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *reg-, meaning "to rule." The transition from Latin to Old French occurred during the medieval period, particularly as the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century brought many French words into the English language. As a result, the name Roy entered English usage, embodying the connotations of nobility and leadership associated with its royal origins.

Historically, the name Roy has been borne by various notable figures, including medieval nobility and saints. One significant milestone is its association with the Scottish royal family, where it was used as a title for kings, particularly in the context of Scottish Gaelic culture. The name also appears in literature and historical texts, reinforcing its regal implications. The use of Roy in English literature can be traced back to the 19th century, where it was employed by authors to evoke themes of honor and valor, often linked to chivalric ideals.

Culturally, the name Roy has resonated with themes of leadership and authority, making it a symbol of strength and dignity. In various traditions, the name has been associated with valorous knights and heroic figures, further solidifying its noble connotations. Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Royce" have emerged, though they are less common. Overall, the name Roy encapsulates a rich historical and cultural significance, reflecting its royal lineage and enduring legacy.

Trend Summary

Roy has experienced fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the early to mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Roi

International Variants

  • Rei (Japanese)
  • Roi (French)

Famous people named Roy

Roy Orbison is a singer-songwriter best known for Oh, Pretty Woman, Crying, and Only the Lonely.

Roy Scheider is an actor best known for Jaws, The French Connection, and All That Jazz.

Roy Hodgson is a football manager best known for managing the England national team, Liverpool, and Fulham.

Roy Rogers is a singer and actor best known for his roles in western films and the television series The Roy Rogers Show.

Roy Acuff is a country music singer and fiddler best known for Great Speckled Bird, Wabash Cannonball, and being a Grand Ole Opry star.

Roy Thomas is a comic book writer best known for co-creating characters such as Wolverine and the Avengers in Marvel Comics.

Roy Williams is a basketball coach best known for his time at the University of North Carolina and winning multiple NCAA championships.

Roy Lichtenstein is an artist best known for his pop art works such as Drowning Girl and Whaam!

Roy Jones Jr. is a professional boxer best known for being a world champion in multiple weight classes and his boxing career achievements.

Roy Dotrice is an actor best known for his role in Amadeus and as the narrator of the A Song of Ice and Fire audiobooks.

Fictional characters named Roy

Roy Mustang is a fictional character from the manga and anime series Fullmetal Alchemist. He is a skilled alchemist and the leader of the Amestrian military's Special Operations, known for his ambition and strong sense of justice.

Roy Harper is a fictional character from DC Comics. He is a skilled archer and former sidekick to Green Arrow, known for his struggles with addiction and his journey towards redemption.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Roy was first seen in the United States in 1880. Roy has ranked as high as #96 nationally, which occurred in 1947, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and North Carolina. In the past 5 years the name Roy has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Roy (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 70
14%
TX 58
12%
FL 31
6%
NY 31
6%
PA 25
5%
NC 21
4%
GA 19
4%
WA 16
3%
SC 15
3%
AZ 15
3%
UT 15
3%
VA 14
3%
MN 14
3%
MI 13
3%
WI 12
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880440
1881440
1882521
1883556
1884680
1885691
1886767
1887726
1888856
1889888
1890941
1891838
18921,048
1893919
18941,018
18951,028
18961,027
1897999
18981,049
1899912
19001,215
1901917
19021,002
1903975
19041,123
19051,016
19061,024
19071,128
19081,097
19091,135
19101,267
19111,394
19122,591
19133,090
19143,852
19155,052
19165,327
19175,586
19186,211
19195,970
19206,355
19216,545
19226,458
19236,316
19246,557
19256,376
19266,224
19276,387
19286,229
19295,812
19305,917
19315,489
19325,238
19334,906
19345,104
19354,939
19364,817
19374,888
19385,042
19395,155
19405,564
19415,950
19426,311
19436,931
19446,534
19456,183
19466,924
19477,560
19487,066
19496,622
19506,454
19516,466
19526,524
19536,656
19546,513
19556,329
19566,133
19576,064
19585,525
19595,183
19605,253
19614,965
19624,477
19634,438
19644,150
19653,784
19663,523
19673,276
19683,177
19693,001
19703,041
19712,960
19722,476
19732,236
19742,187
19752,120
19761,871
19771,913
19781,795
19791,753
19801,779
19811,726
19821,617
19831,456
19841,383
19851,380
19861,283
19871,262
19881,164
19891,258
19901,227
19911,129
1992992
1993897
1994862
1995732
1996719
1997749
1998655
1999638
2000638
2001572
2002566
2003570
2004543
2005530
2006599
2007535
2008552
2009473
2010457
2011443
2012466
2013508
2014525
2015534
2016539
2017529
2018520
2019494
2020486
2021519
2022508
2023526
2024552