What does Royce mean and where does it come from?
The name Royce is of Old French origin, derived from the name 'Reuis,' meaning 'king'. It was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest. Primarily a male name, Royce has been used as a female name in recent years, especially in the United States. It gained popularity in the late 20th century,
Cultural significance
Royce has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of the king.
Peak popularity
Reached #461 in 2024 — currently #500 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Royce?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Royce?
Royce works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Royce Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Royce John
One syllable · timeless choice
Royce Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Royce Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Royce Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Royce Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Royce right now?
Declining — down 39 spots — currently #500 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #500 | 606 | ▼ down 39 · -10% births |
| 2024 | #461 | 670 | ▼ down 16 · -4% births |
| 2023 | #445 | 698 | ▼ down 30 · -10% births |
| 2022 | #415 | 777 | ▼ down 23 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #392 | 809 | ▲ up 2168 · +1126% births |
| 2020 | #2560 | 66 | ▲ up 869 · +43% births |
| 2015 | #3429 | 46 | ▲ up 4468 · +207% births |
| 2010 | #7897 | 15 | ▲ up 2679 · +114% births |
| 1995 | #10576 | 7 | ▼ down 1287 · -12% births |
| 1990 | #9289 | 8 | ▼ down 3907 · -38% births |
| 1985 | #5382 | 13 | ▲ up 577 · +18% births |
| 1980 | #5959 | 11 | ▲ up 73 · +22% births |
| 1975 | #6032 | 9 | ▼ down 1962 · -36% births |
| 1970 | #4070 | 14 | ▼ down 1107 · -22% births |
| 1965 | #2963 | 18 | — |
The story of Royce
Royce entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. A total of 31,908 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3884 in 1915 to #445 in 2023. Royce is used for both genders: 7% female and 93% male.
Names that peaked alongside Royce in 2024:
Royce by decade
Royce peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 43 | |
| 1900s | 77 | |
| 1910s | 862 | |
| 1920s | 2,437 | |
| 1930s | 3,346 | |
| 1940s | 3,882 | |
| 1950s | 3,878 | |
| 1960s | 2,668 | |
| 1970s | 1,924 | |
| 1980s | 2,017 | |
| 1990s | 1,877 | |
| 2000s | 1,845 | |
| 2010s ★ | 6,259 | |
| 2020s | 2,122 | |
What are good nicknames for Royce?
What names sound and feel like Royce?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Royce also consider these
Common questions about the name Royce
What does the name Royce mean?
Royce means "Son of the king" — a name rooted in France 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 Royce?
Royce is currently ranked #445 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Royce?
Royce originates from France tradition. France 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 Royce?
Royce is a one-syllable name pronounced ROYS. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Royce sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Royce flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Royce ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.