Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Joyce

      Origin 
      English

      Meaning 
      Little Lord

      Variations 
      Joycelyn, Boyce, Jayce

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Joyce is an English given name that derives from the Middle English word joise which means little lord. Historically, the name Joyce was primarily used as a masculine name, but over time it has also become popular as a feminine name.

      In history, the name Joyce first appeared as a name in medieval England, commonly used to denote a status or rank in society. It was often bestowed upon those of noble birth or high social standing, implying a resemblance to a little lord or someone of aristocratic lineage. As the name evolved into a given name, Joyce began to be used as a first name predominantly among English-speaking countries.

      In modern-day usage, the name Joyce can be found internationally, but it remains most prevalent in English-speaking regions such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, and Canada. It is a versatile name that has been embraced by both genders. While still considered more traditionally male, Joyce has gained popularity as a feminine name, particularly in the English-speaking world. The name Joyce carries a sense of sophistication and refined elegance, embodying the history and significance of its origins.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Joyce.
      Smith

      is the most common surname for Joyce.

      John

      is the most common spouse name for Joyce.

      John

      is the most common child name for Joyce.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1930 is when there were the most people born with the first name Joyce.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.