Surname Joucey - Meaning and Origin
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Joucey: What does the surname Joucey mean?
The surname Joucey is of French origin, and it is thought to be derived from the French word “jouce,” meaning “a jolly or cheerful person.” As such, the meaning of Joucey can be interpreted as "the cheerful ones" or "the jolly ones."
Joucey is an uncommon name, found primarily in France, Belgium, and Canada. There have also been a few records of individuals with the Joucey surname found in the United States, which is likely due to French heritage in the Mississippian culture.
Various documents record that many regions of France adopted the Joucey surname as early as the 14th century, indicating that it’s a rather well-established surname. It appears that the Joucey family had a significant presence in the Champagne region of France until 1650, although since then there has been no mention of the Joucey surname in the area.
In recent times, the Joucey surname can be found in a few provinces of Canada as many of its original bearers were French settlers in the 18th and 19th centuries. These Jouceys can be traced back to the original French Joucey family.
The Joucey surname has always been seen as a symbol of good luck, which explains why several families with the surname have moved around at different times, including to Canada and the US. People bearing the Joucey surname can feel proud of their French heritage and celebrate their family’s history.
Order DNA origin analysisJoucey: Where does the name Joucey come from?
The last name Joucey is most commonly found today in the United Kingdom. The origin of the name is rooted in France where it originated from a Seigneury. This was a feudal type title of land ownership of both a manor and vassals and it was established in the year 1070. The name itself is derived from the Old French word carnal, meaning ‘chieftain’, which was a leader of a clan.
In the UK, Joucey has been recorded as a surname since the mid 19th century. The largest numbers of living Jouceys can be found in the south east of England. The most concentrated region is East Sussex, where 18 Jouceys reside. Other smaller clusters of living Jouceys can be found in London, Oxfordshire, and Gloucestershire.
There are a few Jouceys living abroad, mainly in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The largest numbers can be found in the United States, where 11 Jouceys lived in 2010. Other smaller clusters live in France and Belgium.
However, despite its modest presence in other parts of the world, Joucey remains an English name. The name is believed to have been brought over from its French root by Norman settlers during post-Roman invasions. With only a few Jouceys living abroad, the name is still most closely associated with Great Britain and parts of England in particular.
Variations of the surname Joucey
The surname Joucey is an uncommon family name. Spellings of this surname vary, and several variants and alternate surnames exist. Joucey is a form of the English surname Joicey. Other variants of the original surname Joucey include Joussi, Jouce, Joice, Joyce, Joise, Joisey, Joysey, Joycey, and Joyce.
The origins of this surname are uncertain. It may be derived from the Old French personal names Gautier or Jous; the words may have evolved into the modern surname Joucey through a process of phonetic transformation. Other possible origins of the name include the Old French “jouce” meaning “the gaunt” or “the thin”, or the Old French “jou…” to mean “compassion, pity”.
The family of Joucey could have been named after a place. Research suggests that it may have been derived from a place in Suffolk called “Joycemead”, which is recorded in the Doomsday book. Alternatively, the surname could have been taken from a place in Cornwall called “Jousingmead” which was recorded in the Gurney Rolls of 1292.
The classic “Joucey” pronunciation has evolved through the centuries into more phonetically similar forms, such as Joice and Joyce. On other occasions, Spanish variants such as Jousi and Joussi may have been adopted, often to reflect a local influence.
In conclusion, the family of Joucey is rooted in a mysterious past. The surname has many variants and alternate spellings reflecting the numerous failed attempts to document what could have been an original form.
Famous people with the name Joucey
- Paul Joucey: Canadian professional ice hockey player who currently plays with the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL).
- Alfred Joucey: 19th century French painter known primarily for his portraits of the wealthy bourgeoisie.
- William Joucey: 18th century English businessman who moved to colonial America during the Revolutionary War and eventually settled in South Carolina.
- Andrew Joucey: British soldier who served in the Napoleonic Wars and later rose to the rank of Colonel in the British Army.
- Charles Joucey: French organist who was active during the 19th century and composed several works, some of which were published posthumously.
- Paul Joucey Jr.: Canadian professional ice hockey player who currently plays with the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). He is the son of Paul Joucey.
- Vincent Joucey: French chemist and physicist who was active in the mid-19th century and is credited with developing the Joucey equation.
- Eugenia Joucey: 20th century French journalist and author. She is the daughter of Paul Joucey.
- Edouard Joucey: French sculptor who served in the 17th Schomberg Regiment during the Franco-Prussian War and later moved to London, England, where he continued to pursue his artistic career.
- Antoine Joucey: 19th century French architect who is best known for designing the Louvre museum in Paris.