Leroy

Pronunciation: [ l-EER-oy ]

Boy Name #864 Most Popular Steady 2 Syllables

The king — bold, vintage, and unapologetically American

French African American English

Vintage Bold Strong Classic Earthy

Meaning & Origin

"the king"

Origin: Old French

Language: French

Things to Know About This Name

Associated with Leeroy Jenkins, a viral World of Warcraft meme from 2005 — humorous but could lead to teasing

The Story of Leroy

Leroy comes from the Old French le roi, meaning the king — a bold assertion of royalty as a name. It likely began as a nickname for someone who acted kingly or was associated with royal service. The name traveled to England after the Norman Conquest and later found new life in America, particularly in the South and among African American communities where names with regal meanings held special significance.

Leroy peaked in the United States in the 1920s-1940s, especially in the South and among African American communities. It declined sharply after mid-century. The 2005 viral video Leeroy Jenkins gave the name new comedic associations.

Leroy has deep roots in African American naming traditions, where names with royal meanings like King, Prince, and Leroy were chosen as an assertion of dignity and pride. Blues musicians and jazz artists named Leroy helped cement the name in American musical heritage.

Fun Facts

Leroy literally translates to the king in French
The Leeroy Jenkins meme from 2005 is one of the most famous moments in gaming internet history

Leroy in Other Languages

French Le Roi

English Leroy

Spanish Leroi

Portuguese Leroy

Famous People Named Leroy

Leroy Sane

Athlete

1996

German professional footballer playing for Bayern Munich and the German national team

Leroy Anderson

Musician

1908

American composer known for light orchestral works including Sleigh Ride and The Typewriter

Leeroy Jenkins Fictional

Other

Fictional World of Warcraft character who became a viral internet meme in 2005 for recklessly charging into battle

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #864
Total SSA Count: 278
Cultural Origins: French African American English
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Roy Lee

Pairs Well With

Leroy James Leroy Wayne Leroy Ray Leroy Eugene Leroy Dale Leroy Curtis

Sibling Names

Delroy Elroy Curtis Eugene Loretta Marlene

Also a Girl Name

Leroy is also used as a girl name, ranked #48909.

View Leroy as a girl name →

Similar Names

Floyd Royal Troy Coy Hoyt Joy Royce Mccoy

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Leroy

What does the name Leroy mean?

"the king" (from Old French). Leroy comes from the Old French le roi, meaning the king — a bold assertion of royalty as a name. It likely began as a nickname for someone who acted kingly or was associated with royal service. The name traveled to England after the Norman Conquest and later found new life in America, particularly in the South and among African American communities where names with regal meanings held special significance.

What is the origin of the name Leroy?

Leroy has Old French, French, African American, and English origins. In Old French, it means "the king".

Is Leroy a boy or girl name?

Leroy is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #864. As a girl name, it is ranked #48909. Leroy is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Leroy?

Leroy is pronounced l-EER-oy.

How popular is the name Leroy?

Leroy is currently ranked #864 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Leroy?

Common nicknames for Leroy include Roy and Lee.

What are good middle names for Leroy?

Popular middle name pairings include Leroy James, Leroy Wayne, Leroy Ray, Leroy Eugene, Leroy Dale, and Leroy Curtis.

What are good sibling names for Leroy?

Names that pair well with Leroy as siblings include Delroy, Elroy, Curtis, Eugene, Loretta, and Marlene.

How many syllables does Leroy have?

Leroy has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Leroy a common or rare name?

Leroy is moderately common, ranked #864 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Leroy

Leroy is a boy name with French, African American, and English origins . The name means "the king" in Old French .

Is Leroy a boy or girl name? Leroy is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #864 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #48,909. Leroy is more commonly used as a boy name.

Leroy is currently ranked #864 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Leroy has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-EER-oy, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Leroy include Roy and Lee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.