Summary

The surname JOY is of English origin and is derived from the Old French word 'joie', meaning 'joy' or 'gladness'. It is believed to have originated as a nickname for a cheerful or joyful person. The surname Joy has been recorded since the 13th century and can be found in various regions of England.
There are
13413
Joys in the USA
Joy is the
2684th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Joy

LuciusJunius

Lucius Junius Moderatus Columella was a Roman writer on agriculture who lived in the 1st century AD.

ThomasJoy

Thomas Joy was an early settler of Boston and a prominent merchant in the early 17th century.

FrederikWillem

Frederik Willem de Klerk is a South African politician who served as the country's State President from 1989 to 1994, and played a leading role in the dismantling of apartheid.

JoyAdamson

Joy Adamson was a naturalist and wildlife conservationist best known for her book 'Born Free,' which detailed her experiences raising a lion cub named Elsa.

EllaBaker

Ella Baker was an African American civil rights and human rights activist who worked behind the scenes organizing and empowering grassroots movements.

JoyHarjo

Joy Harjo is a Native American poet, musician, and author who has received numerous honors for her work, including being named the United States Poet Laureate in 2019.

JoyMangano

Joy Mangano is an American inventor and entrepreneur known for inventing the Miracle Mop and other household products.

JoyBehar

Joy Behar is an American comedian, writer, and television host, best known for her role as a co-host on the talk show 'The View.'

JoyBryant

Joy Bryant is an American actress and former fashion model, known for her roles in films like 'Antwone Fisher' and the television show 'Parenthood.'

JoyWilliams

Joy Williams is an American singer-songwriter known for her folk and alternative country music, and for her collaborations with John Paul White as the musical duo The Civil Wars.

Joy Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Joy' is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English word 'joye,' meaning 'joy' or 'happiness.' It may have been a nickname given to a person with a joyful or cheerful disposition.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Joy' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the southern states. It is also found in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and India.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Joy' include 'Joye' and 'Joyner.'
Migration and ImmigrationDue to the English origins of the surname 'Joy,' it is likely that people with this surname immigrated to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.