Roy

boyScottish Gaelic

Roy is a boy name of Scottish Gaelic origin, meaning “Red”.

MeaningRed
GenderBoy
OriginScottish Gaelic
PronunciationROY
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited Kingdom, United States, Canada, Netherlands

Meaning and origin of Roy

Roy comes from the Gaelic ruadh, 'red', and was originally a nickname for someone with red hair; the Scottish hero Rob Roy MacGregor is a famous example. Later it was often linked with the Old French roi, 'king', though that is a folk association rather than its origin. In India, Roy is a well-known Bengali surname with a separate history, from the title Rai.

Is Roy a religious name?

Roy is a secular name without religious background.

How popular is Roy?

A traditional short name now heard less often for babies.

Gifts with the name Roy

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Spellings and variants of Roy

RoryRuadhRoyce

Names similar to Roy

RayRoryRufusRex

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Roy mean?

Roy means 'Red'. It is of Scottish Gaelic origin.

Does Roy have a religious meaning?

Roy is a secular name without religious background.

How do you pronounce Roy?

Roy is pronounced ROY.

Is Roy a boy or girl name?

Roy is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.