Joyce
Fact sheet
- Name
- Joyce
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
Joyce was adopted from the English-speaking world in the 20th century and is now considered predominantly a female name, although it was originally given exclusively as a male name.
What does the name Joyce mean?
Joyce was adopted from the English-speaking world in the 20th century and is now considered predominantly a female name, although it was originally given exclusively as a male name. The name derives from the Old French Josce, which came to England in the form of Josse through the Normans. Its origins lie in the well-known first name Jodokus/Jodok, which is a Latinized variant of the Celtic-Breton name Iodoc/Judoc. Directly translated, it means 'the mistress' and also 'the fighter' or 'the warrior'. The origin is in the Celtic or Breton expression iud or jud for 'the lord', 'the fight', and 'the war'. The name became known and popular through Saint Jodokus, who founded a Benedictine abbey in St. Josse sur Mer in the 7th century, which is now considered a well-known French pilgrimage site. He was originally a nobleman from Brittany who rejected the crown and dedicated himself to the church. Although he was never officially canonized, Saint Jodokus is regarded as a saint. Other forms include Josta and Joisse. The name also exists as a surname.
Where does the name Joyce come from?
Etymology Joyce is a female and male first name of Breton and Celtic origin with the meaning 'the mistress' or 'the fighter'. Breton Celtic
How do you pronounce Joyce?
Sound & pronunciation of Joyce: The name Joyce is monosyllabic and phonetically striking. In German pronunciation, it is usually pronounced as 'Dschoys' [dʒɔɪs], with the diphthong 'oy' carrying a gliding, lively movement. The voiced onset gives the name energy, while the sharp 's' at the end provides a clear conclusion. This makes Joyce appear modern and self-assured - dynamic, concise, and phonetically present.
When is the name day of Joyce?
The name day of Joyce is December 13.
Popularity
Joyce is a very popular first name in Germany. Currently, it ranks 1,418th on the list of the most common female baby names. Its best placement was in 2007 at 163rd. In the last ten years, Joyce has been given as a first name about 560 times, placing it 783rd in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 633rd.
Nicknames & pet names
CeCe / Choice / Jey / Jo / Jocey / Joe / Joey / JoJo / Josi / Jotze / Jox / Joy / Joycestick / Joycey / Joyci / Joycie / Joyciimäusi / JoyJoy / Joystick
Similar first names
Famous people
- Augusta Joyce Crocheron (writer from the USA)
- Eileen Joyce Rutter (British writer)
- Enid Joyce Owen Dingwell (writer from Australia)
- Joyce Abou-Zeid (German actress)
- Joyce Blair (English actress)
- Joyce Carol Oates (American writer)
- Joyce Cavalcante (Brazilian writer)
- Joyce Cheng (actress from Canada)
- Joyce Chopra (American film director)
- Joyce Conde (footballer from Peru)
- Joyce Ebert (American actress)
- Joyce Farmer (American illustrator)
- Joyce Fitch (tennis player from Australia)
- Joyce Flick Wendl (actress)
- Joyce Hooper Corrington (American writer)
- Joyce Howard Barrell (British composer)
- Joyce Ilg (actress)
- Joyce J. Scott (American artist)
- Joyce Jacobson Kaufman (chemist from the USA)
- Joyce Jimenez (actress from the USA)
Frequently asked questions about the name Joyce
What is the origin of the name Joyce?
Joyce is a first name with Breton and Celtic roots that was originally used for both men and women. Its origins lie in the Old French 'Josce', which came to England through the Normans.
What does the name Joyce mean?
The name Joyce translates to 'the mistress' as well as 'the fighter' or 'the warrior' and traces back to the Celtic-Breton name Iodoc/Judoc.
How popular is the name Joyce?
Joyce is currently very popular as a female first name, especially in English-speaking countries, and has established itself as a modern name in the 20th century.