Surname Joy - Meaning and Origin
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Embarking the DNA Adventure: Discovering the Depth of 'Joy'
Delving deep into my genetic makeup transformed my view of personal identity and heritage. How the Joy surname became more than just a label and matured into a symbol of enriched heritage is a profound discovery.
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read moreJoy: What does the surname Joy mean?
The surname Joy has English and French origins. In England, the name was typically given to somebody who was known for being cheerful, a derivative of the Middle English, Old French term "joie" meaning "joy". Another interpretation is a personal name derived from the Breton name “Iodoc”, shortened to “Ioci”, and later translated to “Joy”. This was a diminutive of a Celtic-Breton-named saint, who was a 7th-century Breton prince turned hermit supposedly performing miracles. Therefore, the meaning of the surname Joy is associated with happiness, cheerfulness and sometimes, mirroring a greater power or miracle. The surname has variants including Joyce, Joie, Joye among others.
Order DNA origin analysisJoy: Where does the name Joy come from?
The surname Joy is of French origin, derived from the Old French personal name "Joie" which means joy, cheer, or delight. This name was initially given as a nickname to people known for their cheerful disposition.
The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Ralph Joi, which dates back to 1187, in the "Pipe Rolls of Cambridge," during the reign of King Henry II of England. The Joy name made its way to Ireland with the Anglo-Norman conquest in the late 12th century where it was later anglicized. One of the earliest Irish bearers of the surname was recorded in the late 13th century in County Down.
Today, Joy is common in several English-speaking countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. In the United States, it is prevalent in the states of Maine and New Hampshire. Although originally a French surname, Joy is less common in France today. In Ireland, particularly in Ulster where the family established a strong presence, the Joy surname can still be found.
Variations of the surname Joy
The surname Joy originated from England, but different variations, spelling corrections, and surnames of the same origin can be found worldwide. Some of the commonly found variants include Joys, Jay, Jays, Jey, Jeys, Joi, Joiy, and Joie. Surnames or last names that sound phonetically similar include Joyce, Joynes, and Joynson.
In some instances, Joy is used as an abstract name without a specific nationality, likely influenced by the common English word for happiness and delight. Also, in French, the surname "Joye" is common, which likely has similar origins. "Gioia" is an Italian variation of Joy.
In other terms, known English surnames derived from the same or similar origins include Jolly, Glad, Merry, Bliss, and Cheer. It's essential to note that the surname Joy and its variations can stem from various origins and can have different meanings in different cultures, so some of these variants may have different historical significances or origins than others. Also, various other obscure versions could exist that aren't as widely recognized or used.
Famous people with the name Joy
- Chris Joy: American soccer player
- Philip Joy: British engineer
- Peter Joy: American judge
- Brandon Joy: American YouTuber
- Paulina Joy: Swedish singer and songwriter
- Sam Joy: American football player
- Kym Joy: Australian rules football player
- Reginald Joy: British actor
- Abraham Joy: American businessman
- Lisa Joy: American screenwriter and producer