Roy Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationROY / rɔɪOld 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)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 70 | |
TX | 58 | |
FL | 31 | |
NY | 31 | |
PA | 25 | |
NC | 21 | |
GA | 19 | |
WA | 16 | |
SC | 15 | |
AZ | 15 | |
UT | 15 | |
VA | 14 | |
MN | 14 | |
MI | 13 | |
WI | 12 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 440 |
1881 | 440 |
1882 | 521 |
1883 | 556 |
1884 | 680 |
1885 | 691 |
1886 | 767 |
1887 | 726 |
1888 | 856 |
1889 | 888 |
1890 | 941 |
1891 | 838 |
1892 | 1,048 |
1893 | 919 |
1894 | 1,018 |
1895 | 1,028 |
1896 | 1,027 |
1897 | 999 |
1898 | 1,049 |
1899 | 912 |
1900 | 1,215 |
1901 | 917 |
1902 | 1,002 |
1903 | 975 |
1904 | 1,123 |
1905 | 1,016 |
1906 | 1,024 |
1907 | 1,128 |
1908 | 1,097 |
1909 | 1,135 |
1910 | 1,267 |
1911 | 1,394 |
1912 | 2,591 |
1913 | 3,090 |
1914 | 3,852 |
1915 | 5,052 |
1916 | 5,327 |
1917 | 5,586 |
1918 | 6,211 |
1919 | 5,970 |
1920 | 6,355 |
1921 | 6,545 |
1922 | 6,458 |
1923 | 6,316 |
1924 | 6,557 |
1925 | 6,376 |
1926 | 6,224 |
1927 | 6,387 |
1928 | 6,229 |
1929 | 5,812 |
1930 | 5,917 |
1931 | 5,489 |
1932 | 5,238 |
1933 | 4,906 |
1934 | 5,104 |
1935 | 4,939 |
1936 | 4,817 |
1937 | 4,888 |
1938 | 5,042 |
1939 | 5,155 |
1940 | 5,564 |
1941 | 5,950 |
1942 | 6,311 |
1943 | 6,931 |
1944 | 6,534 |
1945 | 6,183 |
1946 | 6,924 |
1947 | 7,560 |
1948 | 7,066 |
1949 | 6,622 |
1950 | 6,454 |
1951 | 6,466 |
1952 | 6,524 |
1953 | 6,656 |
1954 | 6,513 |
1955 | 6,329 |
1956 | 6,133 |
1957 | 6,064 |
1958 | 5,525 |
1959 | 5,183 |
1960 | 5,253 |
1961 | 4,965 |
1962 | 4,477 |
1963 | 4,438 |
1964 | 4,150 |
1965 | 3,784 |
1966 | 3,523 |
1967 | 3,276 |
1968 | 3,177 |
1969 | 3,001 |
1970 | 3,041 |
1971 | 2,960 |
1972 | 2,476 |
1973 | 2,236 |
1974 | 2,187 |
1975 | 2,120 |
1976 | 1,871 |
1977 | 1,913 |
1978 | 1,795 |
1979 | 1,753 |
1980 | 1,779 |
1981 | 1,726 |
1982 | 1,617 |
1983 | 1,456 |
1984 | 1,383 |
1985 | 1,380 |
1986 | 1,283 |
1987 | 1,262 |
1988 | 1,164 |
1989 | 1,258 |
1990 | 1,227 |
1991 | 1,129 |
1992 | 992 |
1993 | 897 |
1994 | 862 |
1995 | 732 |
1996 | 719 |
1997 | 749 |
1998 | 655 |
1999 | 638 |
2000 | 638 |
2001 | 572 |
2002 | 566 |
2003 | 570 |
2004 | 543 |
2005 | 530 |
2006 | 599 |
2007 | 535 |
2008 | 552 |
2009 | 473 |
2010 | 457 |
2011 | 443 |
2012 | 466 |
2013 | 508 |
2014 | 525 |
2015 | 534 |
2016 | 539 |
2017 | 529 |
2018 | 520 |
2019 | 494 |
2020 | 486 |
2021 | 519 |
2022 | 508 |
2023 | 526 |
2024 | 552 |