Boy · 32nd of 7,545
Roy
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
410,743
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1947
Peak Popularity Year
7,592
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Roy stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Roy originates from the Old French word for 'king', reflecting a sense of nobility and leadership. It has evolved through various forms in the French and English languages. While it is considered a classic name today, its biblical relevance is non-existent. The name has been popular among notable figures, contributing to its enduring image.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/rɔɪ/
Origin
Old French
Etymology
The name Roy comes from the Old French word 'roi' which means 'king'. It was used as a surname and later adopted as a given name.
Meaning
king
Language Evolution
Roi (Old French), Roi (Modern French), Roy (English)
Historical Usage
The name Roy gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, often associated with nobility and leadership.
Variants & Derivatives
Royce, Ruy, Rey
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Roy is perceived as a classic name that conveys strength and authority. It is still used but less frequently than in previous decades.
Famous People
Roy Orbison, an American singer-songwriter., Roy Rogers, an American cowboy actor., Roy Scheider, an American actor.
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 7,592 peak births in 1947
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Arkansas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 6 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 13 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 32nd of 7545 | 100,975 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 41st of 6773 | 101,009 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 65th of 7552 | 113,302 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 116th of 10718 | 40,892 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 227th of 16616 | 19,087 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 465th of 24088 | 8,986 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 550th of 23106 | 6,240 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1112th of 9107 | 793 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1180th of 9204 | 730 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1911th of 12526 | 604 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3384th of 19264 | 312 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8588th of 27321 | 124 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 24576th of 30306 | 12 |