Royce

♂ Boy

Pronounced ROYS /rɔɪs/High

Meaning: English surname from Old French 'roy' (king) and the suffix '-ce' or from 'Rolls-Royce' cultural association; also possibly a form of Ross (meaning promontory) or Rosice; primarily carries connotations of royalty and prestigeMedium

In 30 seconds: Royce is a crisp, one-syllable name with Old French kingly roots and the unmistakable prestige of the Rolls-Royce brand. Confident and distinguished, it has been growing as a stylish boys' name with an air of quiet luxury.

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Origin MediumEnglish, French

MeaningEnglish surname from Old French 'roy' (king) and the suffix '-ce' or from 'Rolls-Royce' cultural association; also possibly a form of Ross (meaning promontory) or Rosice; primarily carries connotations of royalty and prestige

U.S. rank (2025)#500 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births606 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 33,149

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Royce is primarily an English surname with French roots. It may derive from Old French roy (king), suggesting 'son of the king' or 'kingly,' or from a place name. The name gained global recognition through the Rolls-Royce company, founded by engineer Henry Royce in 1906. As a given name it has been used since at least the 19th century.

Royce has been used as a first name in the United States with steady frequency since the early 20th century. It gained momentum in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as a stylish, one-syllable choice with luxury associations. It now ranks in the U.S. top 200 boys' names.

Did you know? Rolls-Royce — the British luxury automobile and aero-engine company — was founded in 1906 by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, combining both their surnames. The company became a global byword for excellence and quiet luxury, giving the name Royce a permanent association with the finest things in life.

Overall data confidence 80%

Behind the Name — Royce — etymology notesU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RoyseRoice

Nicknames

Roy

Famous Bearers

★Henry Royce (1863–1933)
British engineer (1863–1933), co-founder of Rolls-Royce, one of the world's great luxury brands

If you like Royce…

Reece— shares the crisp one-syllable sound and the same English surname-name appeal

Rex— shares the kingly Latin meaning and the same one-syllable confident sound

Ford— another English surname name with the same understated American prestige

Grant— shares the dignified one-syllable surname-name tradition

Frequently Asked

What does Royce mean?

Royce likely means 'son of the king' or 'kingly,' from Old French 'roy' (king). It also carries strong cultural associations with the Rolls-Royce luxury brand.

How do you pronounce Royce?

Royce is a single syllable pronounced ROYS /rɔɪs/.

Is Royce related to Rolls-Royce?

The Rolls-Royce company was co-founded by Henry Royce in 1906, combining his surname with Charles Rolls's name. The brand's prestige has given the surname (and given name) Royce a permanent luxury association.

Is Royce a popular boys' name?

Royce has been growing in the U.S. and now ranks in the top 200 boys' names, valued for its short, prestigious sound and quiet sophistication.