Roy

“king, royal”

English origin · Unisex name

♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls

#556US 2023

526Births / yr

↑Rising

408.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 188500.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Roy

ROY

/ˈrɔɪ/ · stress on ROY · 1 syllable

“king, royal”

English origin · Unisex name

What does Roy mean and where does it come from?

Though traditionally recognized as a male name derived from the Old French word 'roi,' meaning 'king,' Roy has also been used as a female name in modern contexts. It shows a trend toward gender-neutral names and has gained popularity in recent years. The name Roy has notable figures such as Roy Orbi

Cultural significance

Roy has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of king, royal.

Peak popularity

Reached #847 in 1890 — currently #556 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Roy?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Roy?

Roy works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Roy Grace

How popular is Roy right now?

Rising — up 20 spots — currently #556 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1885–2023#556 · Top 0.41%

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

2015

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#556	526	▲ up 20 · +4% births
2022	#576	508	▼ down 25 · -2% births
2021	#551	519	▲ up 12444 · +7314% births
2015	#12995	7	▼ down 8533 · -59% births
1985	#4462	17	▼ down 951 · -26% births
1980	#3511	23	▲ up 640 · +53% births
1975	#4151	15	▼ down 268
1970	#3883	15	▼ down 930 · -17% births
1965	#2953	18	▼ down 884 · -42% births
1960	#2069	31	▼ down 590 · -34% births
1955	#1479	47	▲ up 180 · +47% births
1950	#1659	32	▼ down 34 · +23% births
1945	#1625	26	▼ down 418 · -30% births
1940	#1207	37	▲ up 183 · +32% births
1935	#1390	28	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Roy

Best Year2021Rank #551

Peak Count526

Average Rank#2361

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202322 years

The story of Roy

Roy has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. More than 408,534 babies have been named Roy since 1885. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1081 in 1885 to #556 in 2023. Roy is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.

Names that peaked alongside Roy in 1890:

Mary Anna Elizabeth Margaret Emma

Roy by decade

Roy peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	6,597
1890s	9,859
1900s	10,714
1910s	40,629
1920s	63,804
1930s	51,869
1940s ★	65,990
1950s	62,157
1960s	40,294
1970s	22,532
1980s	14,445
1990s	8,593
2000s	5,568
2010s	5,003
2020s	480

What are good nicknames for Roy?

IRISH

Ruadhán

ENGLISH

OrmondOrmondeRowanRowanne

IRISH

Rowan

What names sound and feel like Roy?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Roy also consider these

English · Bright fame

Rod

English · Old High German

How is Roy written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Roy

What does the name Roy mean?

Roy means "king, royal" — 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 Roy?

Roy is currently ranked #556 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 Roy?

Roy 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 Roy?

Roy is a one-syllable name pronounced R OY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Roy sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Roy flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Roy ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.