Roy

♂ Boy

Pronounced ROY /rɔɪ/High

Meaning: From the Old French roi meaning 'king,' used as a nickname; alternatively derived from the Scottish Gaelic ruadh meaning 'red' (referring to red hair); both derivations have historical supportHigh

In 30 seconds: Roy is a punchy, one-syllable classic meaning 'king' (Old French) or 'red' (Scottish Gaelic). Unpretentious and warmly vintage, it is making a quiet comeback alongside other short, direct classic boys' names.

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Origin HighOld French, Scottish Gaelic, Irish Gaelic

MeaningFrom the Old French roi meaning 'king,' used as a nickname; alternatively derived from the Scottish Gaelic ruadh meaning 'red' (referring to red hair); both derivations have historical support

U.S. rank (2025)#525 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births570 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1947

Total births (all-time)≈ 408,620

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Roy has two possible derivations. From Old French roi (king), it was used as a nickname for regal bearing. From Scottish Gaelic ruadh (red), it referred to red-haired men — a common Celtic naming tradition. The two meanings coincidentally gave the name both royal and colorful associations.

Roy was highly popular in the United States in the early-to-mid 20th century, peaking in the 1920s and 1930s. It fell from fashion mid-century but has begun a quiet revival in the 21st century as a vintage one-syllable boys' name alongside Ray, Mel, and Walt. Roy Rogers and cartoonist Roy Lichtenstein are among its notable bearers.

Did you know? Roy Rogers, born Leonard Franklin Slye, adopted the name Roy for his cowboy persona — and became one of the most beloved entertainers of the 1940s–50s as the 'King of the Cowboys,' lending the name enormous frontier appeal.

Overall data confidence 85%

Behind the Name — Roy — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RoiRory

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Roy Rogers (1911–1998)
American cowboy actor, singer, and entertainer known as 'King of the Cowboys.'
★Roy Lichtenstein (1923–1997)
American pop artist known for his comic-strip style paintings.

If you like Roy…

Ray— one-syllable vintage boys' name with the same breezy, classic feel

Beau— one-syllable classic boys' name with the same friendly, retro charm

Carl— one-syllable classic with the same mid-century American feel

Glen— one-syllable vintage boys' name in the same quiet-revival category

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Roy mean?

Roy means 'king' from Old French roi, or 'red' from Scottish Gaelic ruadh — both meanings have historical support.

How do you pronounce Roy?

It is said ROY — one syllable, rhyming with 'boy.'

Is Roy a boy or girl name?

Roy is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Roy?

Roy peaked in the 1920s–30s in the U.S. and is now in a quiet vintage revival, ranking in the top 400–600 boys' names.