Joyce

English

Etymology

Medieval English given name from Old French Josse, name of a seventh century saint Latinized as Jodocus, from Breton Iodoc, diminutive of iudh (“lord”).

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɔɪs

Proper noun

Joyce

1. An English and Irish patronymic surname.
2. A female given name, associated by folk etymology with joy and rejoice.

Related terms

• Jocelyn

Quotations

• 1860 Mrs Henry Wood (Ellen Wood): East Lynne:

  "It's a curious name," remarked Captain Levison. "Joyce - Joyce! I never heard such a name. Is it a Christian name or a surname?"

  "She was baptised Joyce. It is not so very uncommon. Her name is Joyce Hallijohn. She has been with us several years."

• 1959 Anne Sexton: The Double Image:

  You call me mother, and I remember my mother again,

  somewhere in greater Boston, dying.

  I remember we named you Joyce

  so we could call you Joy.

External links

• 15px Saint Josse on Wikipedia.Wikipedia:Saint Josse