Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Joyce

Joyce actually started its career as a masculine name. In fact, the origin of Joyce can be traced back over 14 centuries to the Celtic Bretons (living in the region of Brittany, France). Joyce is ultimately a derivative of an ancient Breton name Iodoc meaning “lord”. The Latinized form of this name became Jodocus which eventually morphed into the medieval Josse which in time became Joyce. Saint Judoc (more commonly known as Saint Joyce) was a 7th century prince of Brittany who renounced the throne and his inheritance to instead live the life of a religious hermit. St. Joyce’s cult grew and spread after his death largely due to the claims that his dead body remained incorruptible and the hairs on his head and chin continued to grow (requiring a constant trimming by his followers). Fleeing Norman raiders in the 10th century, several Breton monks brought St. Joyce’s relics and cult to England. The name became popular in homage to Saint Joyce whom the English adopted as their own. Evidence of Saint Joyce’s medieval importance in England can be found in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales in which the Wife of Bath swears "by God and by Seint Joce" (indicating he was invoked for oath-taking). By the later Middle Ages Joyce was rarely used at all (probably after the Church of England’s break from Roman Catholicism) – still the name stayed active as a patronymic surname (e.g., Irish novelist James Joyce). The given name Joyce would eventually be revived in the modern era, but this time as female name – and this time influenced by the Middle English word “joise” meaning “to rejoice”.

All About the Baby Name – Joyce

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME JOYCE

The Master Number Twenty-Two combines the traits of Twos and Fours into a powerful force. The references to The Master Builder and "large undertakings" serve to underscore the massive potential of this personality. They are extremely capable and therefore almost always successful. Twenty-Twos are courageous leaders, innovative thinkers, extremely wise and highly organized. As such, they are able to manifest something of major importance that will have a lasting impact on this world. Master Numbers carry with them a great sense of responsibility, so it can be a burden. However, Twenty-Twos are executors and action-takers. Further, this personality exhibits traits of the Twos, which brings sensitivity, spirituality and harmony, so their endeavors are likely to benefit mankind in some capacity.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME JOYCE

Joyce dates back to the late 19th century in America, first appearing on the female naming charts in 1882. But it also showed up on the masculine naming charts for 30 years between 1917 and 1946. Still, for the most part, Joyce has been considered primarily female in the United States. The name also enjoyed a 43 year stay on the Top 100 list (1924-1966). Without a doubt, however, the 1930s were Joyce’s best years ever (she got as high as #11 on the charts in 1937 and 1938). Seriously, that’s pretty popularity. But considering when the name experienced most of its popularity, it’s safe to say that many of the Joyce’s out there are attending BINGO games and wearing “Life Alert” necklaces at this point. This fact alone makes Joyce feel a little out-dated and unstylish today. Joyce is too much like Barbara, Shirley, Carol and Nancy – names that haven’t held up against the test of time in America. They may one day come back into fashion but we don’t see it happening anytime soon.

Quick Facts

ON JOYCE

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Celtic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

824

PRONUNCIATION:

JOIS

SIMPLE MEANING:

Lord

Characteristics

OF JOYCE

The Master Builder

Leader

Large Undertakings

Confidence

Discipline

Organization

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Joyce

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME JOYCE

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Joyce

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME JOYCE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Joyce


Popular Songs

ON JOYCE

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Joyce


Famous People

NAMED JOYCE

Dr. Joyce Brothers (radio personality)
Joyce Carol Oates (writer)
Joyce Maynard (writer)
Joyce Kilmer (poet)
Joyce Wethered (golfer)
Joyce Walker (basketball coach)
Joyce DeWitt (actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED JOYCE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Joyce

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME JOYCE

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Joyce