Royce

Royce is a British surname of French origin, derived from the Old French personal name "Roi", meaning king. The surname Royce is believed to have been brought to England during the Norman Conquest of 1066.

History

The Royce surname is thought to have first appeared in England in the early medieval period. The name was recorded as "Le Roy" in the Domesday Book of 1086, a comprehensive survey and inventory of landholdings in England ordered by William the Conqueror. Over time, variations of the surname such as "Royse" and "Roys" emerged.

Distribution

The Royce surname is currently most commonly found in the English counties of Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, and Warwickshire. However, Royce families can be found across the United Kingdom and beyond, particularly in former British colonies.

Notable Individuals

One of the most famous bearers of the Royce surname is Sir Henry Royce (1863-1933), the co-founder of the luxury car manufacturer Rolls-Royce. Sir Henry Royce was an engineer and entrepreneur who played a significant role in the development of the British automotive industry.

Variants

Variants of the Royce surname include Roys, Royse, and Royse. These variations may be the result of regional dialects or anglicisation over the centuries.

The Royce surname remains an enduring part of British genealogy and history, with its origins tracing back to the Norman Conquest and its legacy continuing through notable individuals and families associated with the name.

There are approximately 1,103 people named Royce in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,834th most common surname in Britain. Around 17 in a million people in Britain are named Royce.

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
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Amanda
  • Anne
  • Carol
  • Catherine
  • Gemma
  • Jane
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Rebecca
  • Sally
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Wendy

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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