Joyce

At a Glance

Meaning

Traces to a diminutive of a Celtic word for 'lord,' via the name of a 7th-century saint (Josse/Iodocus) — not actually related to the English word 'joy,' despite a long-standing folk association.

Origin

Breton/Old Celtic (via Old French)

Gender

Used for both boys and girls

Pronunciation

JOYSSListen

Joyce is pronounced JOYSS (/dʒɔɪs/), and despite how it looks, it has nothing to do with the English word 'joy' — that link is a long-standing folk etymology. The name actually traces to the Breton saint's name Iodoc, or Josse, ultimately from a Celtic word for 'lord.' It reached English by way of Old French.

Meaning & Origin of Joyce

Meaning: Traces to a diminutive of a Celtic word for 'lord,' via the name of a 7th-century saint (Josse/Iodocus) — not actually related to the English word 'joy,' despite a long-standing folk association..

Origin: Breton/Old Celtic (via Old French).

A common claim: Very widely believed to mean 'joy' or 'joyful,' simply because of its resemblance to the English word 'joy.' Actually: Joyce doesn't actually derive from the word 'joy' — that link is a folk etymology. The name comes from the Breton saint's name Iodoc/Josse, ultimately from a Celtic word for 'lord.'

Source: Wiktionary.

How to Pronounce Joyce

Popularity of Joyce

Joyce peaked at #11 in 1937, when 11,809 babies were given the name. By 2024 it had slipped to #1042, with 240 babies named Joyce that year.

Names Like Joyce

These names have followed a similar path to Joyce in U.S. popularity over the years.

• Beverly
• Billy
• Roselyn
• Joan
• Gordon
• Sally

FAQ

What does the name Joyce mean?

Traces to a diminutive of a Celtic word for ‘lord,’ via the name of a 7th-century saint (Josse/Iodocus) — not actually related to the English word ‘joy,’ despite a long-standing folk association.. (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Joyce?

Joyce is pronounced JOYSS (IPA: /dʒɔɪs/).

Is Joyce a popular name right now?

Joyce peaked at #11 in 1937 and is ranked #1042 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1882–2024.)

Make Joyce Name Art

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