What does Boyce mean and where does it come from?
Boyce is a surname that has transitioned into use as a first name in recent years. It derives from the Old French word 'bois', meaning 'wood' or 'forest'. Historically, surnames were often employed to denote geographic location, indicating someone who lived near woods. While it is more commonly reco
Cultural significance
Boyce has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the woods or forest.
Peak popularity
Reached #4261 in 1928 — currently #9038 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Boyce?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Boyce?
Boyce works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Boyce Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Boyce John
One syllable · timeless choice
Boyce Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Boyce Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Boyce Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Boyce Myles
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Boyce right now?
Falling — down 1710 spots — currently #9038 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #9038 | 8 | ▼ down 1710 · -27% births |
| 2024 | #7328 | 11 | ▼ down 5611 · -98% births |
| 2023 | #1717 | 483 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1722 | 463 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #1727 | 433 | ▲ up 3324 · +8560% births |
| 1920 | #5051 | 5 | — |
The story of Boyce
Boyce entered American naming records in 1919 and has been in use for over 105 years. With 5,526 total births recorded, Boyce remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5051 in 1920 to #1717 in 2023. Boyce is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Boyce in 1928:
Boyce by decade
Boyce peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1890s | 46 | |
| 1900s | 90 | |
| 1910s | 519 | |
| 1920s | 928 | |
| 1930s ★ | 1,049 | |
| 1940s | 914 | |
| 1950s | 713 | |
| 1960s | 481 | |
| 1970s | 252 | |
| 1980s | 169 | |
| 1990s | 135 | |
| 2000s | 92 | |
| 2010s | 123 | |
| 2020s | 29 | |
💎With 5,526 total births, Boyce is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Boyce?
What names sound and feel like Boyce?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Boyce also consider these
Common questions about the name Boyce
What does the name Boyce mean?
Boyce means "From the woods or forest" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Boyce?
Boyce is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Boyce?
Boyce originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Boyce?
Boyce is a one-syllable name pronounced BOYS. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Boyce sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Boyce flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Boyce ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.