Origin and Meaning of Roy
Meaning & Origin
King
Origin: French - Derived from the Old French word 'roi', meaning 'king'. The name is associated with nobility and leadership.
Interesting Facts
- Roy has been used as a first name since the Middle Ages, often given to boys born into noble families.
- In addition to being popular in French-speaking countries, Roy is also used in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States.
- Notable bearers of the name Roy include Roy Orbison, the famous American singer-songwriter, and Roy Rogers, the iconic cowboy actor and singer.
- In recent years, Roy has seen fluctuations in popularity in the United States, peaking in the mid-20th century.
- Variations and similar names include Reyes (Spanish), Roi (Hebrew), and Ronald (Scottish, meaning ruler).