"red (hair color)"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: Scots
Roy
Pronunciation: [ r-OY ]
Does Roy flow with your last name?
A compact vintage name meaning 'red' or 'king'
Scottish
English
American
Dutch
Strong
Vintage
Classic
Bold
Earthy
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"king"
Origin: Old French
Language: French
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The Story of Roy
Roy has two distinct origins. In Scottish Gaelic, 'ruadh' means 'red' and was used as a byname for red-haired individuals — 'Rob Roy' literally means 'Red Robert'. The Old French 'roi' meaning 'king' provides a second etymology. Both paths meet in this compact, punchy name that manages to convey both noble rank and vivid physical description.
Roy was a popular name in the United States through the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1920s-1950s. Associated with cowboys, country music legends, and simple American virtue, the name declined in the 1960s-70s but has seen a small revival as vintage names make a comeback.
Roy Rogers, the singing cowboy of Hollywood Westerns, defined a generation's image of the name. In the Netherlands, Roy remains more popular than in anglophone countries. The name also carries the legacy of Rob Roy MacGregor, the Scottish folk hero often called the 'Scottish Robin Hood'.
Historical Record
Roy first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 160,335 babies have been named Roy in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Roy is past its peak , currently ranked #542 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Rob Roy (Red Robert) MacGregor was a Scottish folk hero and outlaw, subject of a Walter Scott novel
- Roy Rogers was one of the most popular film stars of the 1940s and '50s, known as 'King of the Cowboys'
- In the Netherlands, Roy has consistently been a top-50 name for boys
Roy in Other Languages
Dutch
Roy
French
Roy/Roi
Spanish
Roy
Scottish Gaelic
Ruadh
Popularity Over Time
#542
Current Rank
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Roy
R
Roy Lichtenstein
Artist
1923
American pop artist known for his large-scale paintings inspired by comic strips
R
Roy Rogers
Entertainer
1911
American singing cowboy, actor, and TV personality, known as 'King of the Cowboys'
R
Roy Batty Fictional
Other
The memorable android antagonist/protagonist in the 1982 film Blade Runner, famous for the 'tears in rain' monologue
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #542
- Total SSA Count
- 552
- Cultural Origins
- Scottish English American Dutch
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Roy
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Roy is also used as a girl name, ranked #71168.
View Roy as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Scottish)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Roy
What does the name Roy mean?
"red (hair color)" (from Scottish Gaelic). "king" (from Old French). Roy has two distinct origins. In Scottish Gaelic, 'ruadh' means 'red' and was used as a byname for red-haired individuals — 'Rob Roy' literally means 'Red Robert'. The Old French 'roi' meaning 'king' provides a second etymology. Both paths meet in this compact, punchy name that manages to convey both noble rank and vivid physical description.
What is the origin of the name Roy?
Roy has Scottish Gaelic, Old French, Scottish, English, American, and Dutch origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it means "red (hair color)". In Old French, it means "king".
Is Roy a boy or girl name?
Roy is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #542. As a girl name, it is ranked #71168. Roy is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Roy?
Roy is pronounced r-OY.
How popular is the name Roy?
Roy is currently ranked #542 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Roy?
Popular middle name pairings include Roy Alan, Roy Lee, Roy James, Roy Thomas, Roy Edward, and Roy David.
What are good sibling names for Roy?
Names that pair well with Roy as siblings include Ray, Dale, Joyce, Gene, Shirley, and Glenn.
How many syllables does Roy have?
Roy has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Roy a common or rare name?
Roy is moderately common, ranked #542 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Roy
Roy is a boy name with Scottish, English, American, and Dutch origins . The name means "red (hair color)" in Scottish Gaelic .
Is Roy a boy or girl name? Roy is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #542 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #71,168. Roy is more commonly used as a boy name.
Roy is currently ranked #542 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Roy has 1 syllable and is pronounced r-OY, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Roy include Royal, Royce, Royale, Royalty . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis