Surname Joycye - Meaning and Origin
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Joycye: What does the surname Joycye mean?
The last name Joycye is thought to have evolved from the French surname Joyeux. The surname likely began as a nickname for someone who was affectionate, humorous, and lively. The term “joyeux” is a form of the Latin word “gaudere”, which means “to rejoice”. The original association with the name Joycye suggests that early bearer of the name was an exceptionally joyful person who always looked on the bright side and had a comedic disposition.
Joycye may also have been used as a nickname by someone born on a festive day. In the Middle Ages, the Latin phrase “jucundia dies” was used to indicate a happy day full of laughter and joy - an appropriate expression for someone born on such a “joyful day”. In this case, the Joycye surname may have been derived from the joyful Latin phrase, leading to its current form.
In either case, the surname Joycye conveys a cheerful, happy-go-lucky atmosphere. The name suggests the bearer is someone who loves to laugh and have fun, and also finds the good in any situation. It is a name that speaks to someone who enjoys life in its entirety and is always up for an adventure.
Order DNA origin analysisJoycye: Where does the name Joycye come from?
Joycye is an uncommon surname, with its most common origins among Welsh and English background. It appears to be most contemporary in areas close to or descended from those countries.
In the UK, Joycye is mainly found in southwest England and Wales. It seems to be most prevalent in Devon and Cornwall, which have roots stretching back centuries. The Joycye surname appears in many records dating back to the twelfth century in those counties, signifying a long and established presence.
Joycye is not a widely distributed name in the United States, but it can be found in pockets throughout the country. It is especially prominent in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, which are steeped in English and Welsh heritage, along with some immigrant influence.
In other parts of the world, Joycye appears to mainly be in countries of largely British heritage such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Joycye has a small presence in countries like Ireland, where many of its people have also emigrated to during times of unrest and famine.
In short, the Joycye surname is mostly localized to areas that have English and Welsh ties, but with its small presence scattered across the diaspora, it could turn up anywhere.
Variations of the surname Joycye
The surname Joycye (also spelled Joycey, Joysey, Joysee and Joyce) is derived from the Anglo-Norman personal name Josse, which is ultimately of Germanic origin, and related to the English personal name Joseph. This surname may be found in various alternate spellings such as Joysey, Joycy, Joyscie, Joice, Jocey, Joicy, and Joycey.
The Joycye surname originated as a patronymic form of Josse, the prefix "Joy" being an abbreviation of the given name, and was likely also influenced by the Middle English word joyce, which meant "to joke, jest, or revel". This surname derived from 16th Century records in England and Ireland, and has since spread to the United States.
Joycye is typically a spelling variation of the surname Joyce, which was associated with ancient Irish geographical places like the town of Joyce in County Mayo and Joycey, a barony in County Limerick, indicating that this uniquely spelled surname may be of Irish origin.
The variants of the Joycye surname can also be found clustered in Norfolk, England and in the Lancashire area. A number of related surnames are derived from the same source, including Joyce, Joys, Joice, Joyace, Joycy, Joicy, and Joicey.
Famous people with the name Joycye
- Jon Joyce: Former lead singer and songwriter for the punk rock band the Alarm.
- Chris Joyce: Drummer for Echo & the Bunnymen.
- Steven Joyce: Former Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand.
- Jean Joysey: Former player for the Tring Athletic F.C. soccer team.
- Jake Joyce: English footballer who currently plays as a striker for Whitehawk F.C.
- Ashley Joyce: American model and actress.
- Katherine Joysey: Professor of Accounting at the University of York.
- Maurice Joyce: Irish Gaelic footballer for Crossmaglen Rangers and Armagh.
- Rachael Joyce: British folk singer from Leicester, England.
- Yorick Joysey: British actor, director, and screenwriter.