Joyce
Joyce is a Christian girl name of Breton, via Norman French origin, meaning “Lord (from Breton iud)”.
| Meaning | Lord (from Breton iud) |
|---|---|
| Gender | Girl |
| Origin | Breton, via Norman French |
| Pronunciation | JOYSS |
| Tradition | Christian, Modern & Classic |
| Used in | United States, United Kingdom |
Meaning and origin of Joyce
Joyce comes from Iudocus, the Latinised name of Saint Judoc (Josse), a seventh-century Breton prince who became a hermit. The Breton element iud is usually explained as 'lord'. The name was used for men in medieval England, later became mostly a surname, and was revived for girls in the twentieth century, with many associating it with the word 'joy'. The writer James Joyce made the surname famous.
Is Joyce a Christian name?
Joyce traces back to Saint Judoc, a Breton hermit saint, though today it is used without religious meaning.
How popular is Joyce?
Most common among women born in the 1920s to 1950s; rarely given to babies today.
Gifts with the name Joyce
- Joyce name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Joyce baby gifts (Amazon)
- Christian baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Joyce
Names similar to Joyce
More Christian girl names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Joyce mean?
Joyce means 'Lord (from Breton iud)'. It is of Breton, via Norman French origin.
Is Joyce a Christian name?
Joyce traces back to Saint Judoc, a Breton hermit saint, though today it is used without religious meaning.
How do you pronounce Joyce?
Joyce is pronounced JOYSS.
Is Joyce a boy or girl name?
Joyce is usually a girl name.