Roy

Fact-checked by Jaime Babiera

1. Roy name meaning and origin

The name Roy has its Scottish and Irish origins. It is believed to be the English-language version of the name 'ruadh,' which means 'red.' Thus, it is often considered an ideal name for babies born with red hair.

Over centuries, Roy evolved to a standalone given name, gaining popularity in English-speaking countries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name took on broader appeal for its brevi ty, strength, and royal connotations. Up to this date, Roy remains a timeless classic that balances simplicity with historical depth, embodying qualities of leadership and distinction without ostentation.

Roy

References:

Roy Name Meaning and Roy Family History at FamilySearch

2. Roy name popularity

Girl

Boy

in 2023

from 2022

Popularity of Roy

United States

United Kingdom

Roy is predominantly a masculine name used in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The name has Norman-French origins, derived from "roi" meaning "king," and was introduced to Britain after the Norman Conquest. While historical ranking data isn't provided, Roy has maintained consistent popularity throughout the 20th century, often associated with loyalty and noble qualities.

Interestingly, Roy has occasionally been used as a feminine name in the United States, though this usage is far less common. The name also appears as a surname and has various cultural significance across different regions. In recent decades, Roy has taken on a vintage quality, appreciated for its simple, strong sound and traditional appeal.

3. Roy in Popular Culture: Characters in Fiction

The name Roy has been used in various forms of fiction, both in classic literature and present media. A list of some prominent characters bearing the name in fictional works is listed below.

Literature:

Roy Hobbs

He is a talented but flawed baseball player in the novel “The Natural”.

Roy Eberhardt

From the novel “Hoot.” He is a middle-school boy who has constantly moved to different places like Ohio, Florida, and Afghanistan.

Roy Harper

A character in “DC Comics”, who is known as a member of Team Arrow. He is Green Arrow’s former sidekick named Speedy.

Films and Television:

Roy Kent

A major character from the highly acclaimed Apple TV+ comedy series “Ted Lasso”, portrayed by Brett Goldstein.

Roy Batty

He is the leader of the renegade replicants seeking a longer lifespan.

Roy Trenneman

From the award-winning sitcom “The IT Crowd.” He is a lazy and laid-back character portrayed by Chris O'Dowd.

Roy Neary

The protagonist in the science-fiction film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”. He is an electrical lineman who becomes obsessed with UFOs after a close encounter with them.

Roy DeSoto

He is a paramedic from the 1970s American television series “Emergency!.”

Roy Anderson

A character in the American version of “The Office”, who is a warehouse worker and the long-time fiancé of Pam Beesly.

Video Games:

Roy

A playable and central character in the tactical role-playing game “Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade.”

Roy Koopa

One of the seven Koopalings, who is known as an arrogant bully who shows no regard for anyone other than himself.

4. Celebrities with the Name Roy

Aside from fiction, the name Roy has also been carried by real-life figures in entertainment, sports, and music. From actors to athletes, these celebrities have helped keep the name visible in popular culture.

Historical Figures:

Roy Rogers

American cowboy actor and singer who starred in over 100 episodes of a famous weekly show in the late 1930s. He was known as the 'King of the Cowboys.'

Image source: Wikipedia

Roy Orbison

He is a legendary American rock and roll singer-songwriter known for his high and operatic voice. One of his hits is the song "Oh, Pretty Woman."

Roy Lichtenstein

He is an American pop artist famous for simulating a technique called benday screening, which is a dot pattern that engravers often use.

Roy Scheider

An American actor best known for his roles as Police Chief Martin Brody in Jaws and Detective Buddy Russo in “The French Connection”.

Roy Haynes

American jazz drummer and bandleader whose career spanned more than 60 years.

Contemporary Celebrities:

Roy Williams

Legendary college basketball coach who led the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Roy Jones Jr.

An American professional boxer who received various world titles in the middleweight, super middleweight, and heavyweight divisions.

Roy Keane

An Irish professional footballer who famously became the midfield general of Manchester United.

Roy Choi

A Korean-American chef who gained prominence with his Kogi BBQ. He also helped pioneer the modern food truck movement.

Roy Wood Jr.

An American comedian and actor, who is best known for his role in “The Daily Show”.

Roy Purdy

He is an American internet comedian, rapper, and dancer who became first viral for his Running Man Challenge in 2016.

5. Variations and nicknames of Roy

The name Roy has a rich history across multiple cultures, lending itself to various formal variants across languages and regions. Some common variants include Roi, Rey and Ruy. Other linguistic transformations include Royer (Irish), Rei (Japanese), and Rowanne as an English elaboration. Some parents also consider the modern variants for Roy, such as Roye, Leroy, and Royal.

Beyond formal variants, Roy boasts numerous affectionate nicknames used by family and friends. Traditional English diminutives include Roy Boy and Roy Bear, often used playfully for children. In collegiate and social settings, simple truncations like Royce or the elongated Royale remain a common choice. Some families use endearing terms like Roy Wonder, Roy G. Biv, or R Boy, particularly for younger Roys.

6. Best name combinations with Roy

names that pair well with Roy:

Roy Alexander
Roy Timothy
Roy Christopher
Roy Dominic
Roy Cameron
Roy Ralph
Roy Gabriel
Roy Harrison
Roy Isaiah
Roy Jorge
Roy Edward
Roy Lawrence
Roy Alan
Roy Nathaniel
Roy Oliver
Roy Phillip
Roy Manuel
Roy Theodore
Roy Vincent
Roy Virgil
Adrian Roy
Benjamin Roy
Patrick Roy
Daniel Roy
Elliot Roy
Francisco Roy
Gregory Roy
Henry Roy
Isaac Roy
Jonathan Roy
Kenneth Roy
William Roy
Michael Roy
Nicholas Roy
Owen Roy
Calvin Roy
Quentin Roy
Samuel Roy
Thomas Roy

7. Numerology of Roy name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

4
R(9) + O(6) + Y(7) = 22 → 2+2 = 4

The Destiny Number 4 indicates a practical, methodical, and reliable nature. You have a natural gift for creating order from chaos and building solid foundations. In your career, you excel in roles requiring attention to detail, organizational skills, and steadfast dedication. You're drawn to structured environments where hard work and persistence are valued. In relationships, you're loyal and dedicated, seeking stability and long-term commitment rather than fleeting connections.

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):

6
Vowels: O(6) = 6

With a Soul Urge Number 6, your inner desire revolves around harmony, nurturing, and responsibility. You deeply value family and community connections and often find yourself in caretaking roles. Your heart yearns to create peaceful environments where everyone feels supported. In relationships, you're compassionate and nurturing, sometimes to the point of self-sacrifice. Career paths in teaching, counseling, healthcare, or community service naturally align with your inner needs.

Personality Number:

7
Consonants: R(9) + Y(7) = 16 → 1+6 = 7

The Personality Number 7 shows that others perceive you as thoughtful, intuitive, , and somewhat mysterious. You present yourself as intellectual and philosophical, someone who thinks deeply before speaking. People are drawn to your wisdom and ional intelligence. In professional settings, you appear methodical and research-oriented. In relationships, you may come across as reserved initially, revealing your depth gradually to those who earn your trust.

Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.

8. Names similar to Roy

Like Roy ? What about:

Caleb

Caiden

Mauve

Adeline

Sid

Bernice

Bruce

Bellamy

Aiden

Afton

Bom

Bella

Abigail

Benjamin

Port

Beau

Tayce

Ahjin

Adalyn

Charlee

Common sibling names

Sisters

Paige

Eleanor

Delaney

Beau

Elena

Bellamy

Addison

Grace

Belle

Joy

Adeline

Elaine

Adalyn

Bella

Danielle

Ella

Carter

Abigail

Brothers

Addison

Declan

Caden

Lyle

Boone

Carter

Gael

Gabriel

Elias

Damien

Aiden

Bellamy

Eli

Elijah

Caiden

Dominic

Ray

Cayden

Chase

Gage

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Baby name lists including Roy

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Roy

1. Roy name meaning and origin

References:

2. Roy name popularity

3. Roy in Popular Culture: Characters in Fiction

4. Celebrities with the Name Roy

5. Variations and nicknames of Roy

6. Best name combinations with Roy

names that pair well with Roy:

7. Numerology of Roy name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):

Personality Number:

8. Names similar to Roy

Like Roy ? What about:

Common sibling names

Find the Perfect Name for Your Baby

Search by name

Here are 0 baby name ideas that should work for you and your baby:

Baby name lists including Roy

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