Origin and Meaning of Joyce

Joyful, merry

Origin: Old French - Derived from the Old French name 'Josse', which is a diminutive of 'Iodoc', originating from Breton elements meaning 'lord'. The name evolved to signify joyfulness.

• Joyce was originally used as a male name, but it became more popular as a female name in the 20th century.
• In English-speaking countries, Joyce gained popularity as a feminine name in the early 1900s, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom.
• Notable bearers of the name include the Irish writer James Joyce and the English author Joyce Cary, reflecting its literary connections.
• After peaking in popularity in the mid-20th century, the use of the name Joyce has declined in recent years, though it still holds nostalgic value.
• Variations and related names include Joice, Jocelyn, and Joycee.