Joyce

Origin and Meaning

Joyce is a common surname of British origin, derived from the medieval personal name "Joyce". The name is derived from the Breton personal name "Iodoc", which means "lord" or "prince". Over time, Joyce has become a widely used surname in Ireland, England, and other English-speaking countries.

History

The Joyce surname has a long history, with records dating back to the Middle Ages. The surname is most commonly associated with Ireland, particularly in the western region around Galway. The Joyce family is well-known for their involvement in historical events such as the Norman invasion of Ireland and the colonization of the country by the English.

The name Joyce has spread to other parts of the British Isles and beyond, with many descendants of Joyce families now living in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Notable People

  • James Joyce (1882-1941): An Irish writer and one of the most influential modernist authors of the 20th century. He is best known for his novel "Ulysses" and his collection of short stories "Dubliners".

  • Joyce Grenfell (1910-1979): A British actress, comedian, and singer known for her work in film, television, and radio. She was beloved for her comedic monologues and characters.

  • Brendan Joyce: An Australian basketball coach who has led both the men’s and women’s national teams to success in international competitions.

Variants

Variants of the surname Joyce include Joice, Joass, Josse, and Joss.

Popularity

Joyce has been a popular surname in England, Ireland, and other English-speaking countries for centuries. It continues to be a common surname today, with many individuals proud to carry on the legacy of their Joyce ancestors.

There are approximately 19,179 people named Joyce in the UK. That makes it the 451st most common surname in Britain. Around 295 in a million people in Britain are named Joyce.

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

  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen
  • Thomas

Female

  • Anne
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • 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.

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