JOY
Joy
Joy is a British surname of Old French origin, derived from the medieval given name "Joie", meaning joy or happiness. This surname is found in various parts of England, with concentrations particularly in the southern counties.
The earliest recorded instances of the Joy surname date back to the Middle Ages, with variations such as Le Joye, Le Joie, and Juye. The name was likely given to individuals who were seen as cheerful or jovial in nature.
Over the centuries, the Joy surname has spread across the British Isles and beyond, as families migrated for various reasons. Today, individuals with the surname Joy can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others.
Famous bearers of the surname Joy include British author and journalist Clive Staples Lewis, known as C.S. Lewis, who wrote the Chronicles of Narnia series. The surname has also been borne by individuals in various fields such as politics, entertainment, and academia.
In modern times, the Joy surname continues to be passed down through generations, reflecting a connection to its historical roots and the enduring legacy of joy and happiness.
There are approximately 5,961 people named Joy in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,590th most common surname in Britain. Around 92 in a million people in Britain are named Joy.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Alison
- Christine
- Elaine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Karen
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.