Roy

For other uses, see Roy (disambiguation).
Roy
Gender Male
Origin
Word/name England, Normandy, Scotland
Meaning King
Other names
Alternative spelling Roi
Related names Rex, King, Kingsley, Kingston, Ry, Rai, Ray, Raymie, Raymond, Glenroy, Delroy, Elroy, Leroy, Royce, Royal
Look up Roy in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Roy may refer to:

Family name

Roy is an English, Scottish Gaelic and French name of Norman origin. This family name originated from the Normans, meaning "Northman" in several Scandinavian languages,[1] who were the descendants of Viking conquerors.[2] The derivation is from the word rey or roi, meaning a king or chief, and in medieval times was used as a nickname either for one who behaved in a regal fashion, or who had earned the title in some contest of skill. It also appears in Scottish Gaelic, from the word ruadh, meaning red. Roy can also be found in India, a variant of the name "Rai", which was a historical title of honour in India conferred by the British Raj.[3][4]

People with the surname include:

Given name

Roy is a common male given name. Notable people with the given name include:

Fictional characters

References

  1. ↑ "Norman". Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved April 2010.
  2. ↑ Discover the meaning and history behind your last name, Ancestry.com, retrieved 25 November 2013 which cited: Dictionary of American Family Names, Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-508137-4 for the surname "Roy".
  3. ↑ Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd edition, 1989: from Skr. rāj: to reign, rule; cognate with L. rēx, rēg-is, OIr. rī, rīg king (see RICH).
  4. ↑ Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd edition (June 2008), on-line edition (September 2011): "spec. In full British Raj. Direct rule in India by the British (1858–1947); this period of dominion."

See also