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 (0.04% 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.

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

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 500 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

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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 500 boys' names, valued for its short, prestigious sound and quiet sophistication.