Roy
Roy is a boy name of Scottish origin meaning “Red, king”, pronounced ROY. It ranked #525 in the United States in 2025, given to 570 babies, and peaked at #18 in 1892. Common nicknames: Roycie.
How popular is Roy in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Roy mean, and where does it come from?
Roy has two roots and has long carried both: the Gaelic ruadh, "red," as in Rob Roy, the red-haired MacGregor; and the French roi, "king," which gave the surnames Roy and Leroy. It stood at 18th place for American boys in 1892 and stayed in the top hundred for half a century. Its bearers cross every field — a Nobel physicist, the pop artist who painted comic panels, an Irish captain, and the voice behind Only the Lonely.
How is Roy used around the world?
Roy is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 5+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Roy?
Famous People Named Roy
- Roy Orbison — American singer and songwriter
- Roy Lichtenstein — American pop artist
- Roy Keane — Irish footballer and manager
Similar Names to Roy
If you like Roy, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Roy
Looking for names that pair well with Roy? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Roy mean?
Roy is a boy name of Scottish origin meaning "Red, king." Roy has two roots and has long carried both: the Gaelic ruadh, "red," as in Rob Roy, the red-haired MacGregor; and the French roi, "king," which gave the surnames Roy and Leroy. It stood at 18th place for American boys in 1892 and stayed in the top hundred for half a century.
How do you pronounce Roy?
Roy is pronounced ROY. Common variations include Roi, Ruadh, Rory.
Is Roy a boy name?
Yes, Roy is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Roycie.