The nameRoy
Roy is an English boy's name.
- Boy's name
- Gaelic
Meaning
From the Gaelic ruadh, "red"; it is also linked to the Old French roi, "king".
Origin
Gaelic, through English.
History
In France it has been given in small numbers since the 1920s, most often from the 1990s to the 2010s.
Popularity of the name Roy
Roy in France
1261stmost popular boys' name in France, latest official figures
2025peak year (25 births)
825babies named Roy in France since 1900
Roy was most popular in France in the 2010s, with 180 births over the decade, 22% of all recorded babies named Roy. Its rise began around 1922, and it peaked in 2025. Half of all babies named Roy in France were born before 2002. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 21 births a year.
Roy in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Roy mean?
From the Gaelic ruadh, "red"; it is also linked to the Old French roi, "king".
What is the origin of the name Roy?
Gaelic, through English.
Is Roy a girl's or a boy's name?
Roy is a boy's name.