Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Roy
BoyScottish· “red; often linked to king”
- Meaning
- red; often linked to king
- Origin
- Scottish
- Pronunciation
- ROY
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #525
- US babies 2025
- 570
- Best rank
- #18 (1889)
- Peak year
- 1947
Meaning and origin of Roy
Roy is a Scottish name that is usually said to mean “red; often linked to king”.
Roy comes from the Scottish Gaelic ruadh, meaning red, probably a nickname for someone with red hair. Over time it became associated with the Old French roi, meaning king, which gave it a regal flavor, though the Gaelic root is the original. The Scottish outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor made the name famous, and in the twentieth century it was borne by the singing cowboy Roy Rogers. Roy is short, strong and vintage, with a friendly feel. It needs no nickname and suits a wide range of middle names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Roi.
Popularity over time
Roy has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #18 in 1889, and the most babies received it in 1947, when 7,560 were named Roy. In 2025, 570 babies were named Roy, and it ranked #525 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #32 in 1920, #51 in 1950, #153 in 1980, #400 in 2000, #555 in 2010, and #525 in 2025. Of the 408,638 US boys named Roy since records began, 16% were born in the 1940s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 63,259 babies. Since 2010, 8,183 more have been named Roy.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Johnny, Jimmy, Willie, Ronnie, and Wayne.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Roy ranked highest in Montana, New Hampshire, and New Mexico.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | #157 | 9 |
| New Hampshire | #261 | 5 |
| New Mexico | #352 | 6 |
| Washington | #421 | 18 |
| Nebraska | #421 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Roy is usually pronounced ROY, with one syllable. It has three letters, starts with R and ends in “-oy”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Roi.
Middle names for Roy
A few middle names that flow with Roy: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Roy
Similar names
Troy Boy
TROY
“from the ancient city of Troy” · Greek
#533
Keith Boy
KEETH
“from a Scottish place name” · Scottish
#801
Bruce Boy
BROOS
“from Brix, a place in Normandy” · Scottish
#536
Mack Boy
MAK
“son of” · Scottish
#463
Neil Boy
NEEL
“uncertain; possibly 'champion' or 'cloud'” · Irish
#851
Clyde Boy
KLYD
“from the River Clyde” · Scottish
#743
Kyle Boy
KYL
“narrow strait” · Scottish
#509
Grant Boy
GRANT
“large, tall” · Scottish
#228
Knox Boy
NAHKS
“round hill” · Scottish
#196
Reid Boy
REED
“red, red-haired” · Scottish
#293
Scott Boy
SKAHT
“a Scot, a Gaelic speaker” · Scottish
#534
Craig Boy
KRAYG
“rock, crag” · Scottish
#1,644
Lists that include Roy
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Roy mean?
Roy is a Scottish name that is usually said to mean “red; often linked to king”.
What is the origin of the name Roy?
Roy has Scottish roots. Roy comes from the Scottish Gaelic ruadh, meaning red, probably a nickname for someone with red hair.
Is Roy a popular name?
Yes. Roy ranked #525 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Roy a boy or girl name?
Roy is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Roy?
Roy is usually pronounced ROY. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings