Roy Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Roy come from? What does the surname Roy mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Roy and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Reed, Leroy, Rojewski, Roye
Surname Roy Origin: What does the last name Roy mean?
The surname Roy has varied origins and meanings, with roots in France, England, India, Scotland, and beyond. In France, it originated from the Normans and is derived from the Old French term "roy" or "roi," meaning "king." This surname was used by knights, feudal lords, and even members of the Knights Templar, such as Guillaume de Roy. In England, after the Norman Conquest, Roy was both a family name and a title used by the kings of England and royal administration. The name also has connections to India, where it is an anglicized variant of the surname Rai, meaning "king." In Scotland, Roy is an anglicization of the Scottish Gaelic nickname "ruadh," meaning "red."
YourRoots data indicates that the Roy surname has a long history, with records dating back to the early 11th century in England. Over the centuries, the surname spread to France and eventually to Canada and the United States. By the 17th century, there was a notable presence of the Roy family in Canada, suggesting migration or growth in that region. Today, the Roy surname is prominent in the United States and Canada, with a significant presence in other countries as well. This global spread of the Roy family name showcases its enduring legacy and widespread impact across different regions and cultures.
Roy Last Name History: Where did the last name Roy come from?
Origin of Roy Surname: Where does the last name Roy originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Roy first appeared in records from England around the early 11th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Roy” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Roy: What does the Roy surname history look like in the early days?
The “Roy” surname remained closely associated with England from the 11th to the 12th century. By the 15th century, we see a shift to France, indicating a notable presence there. However, it was in the 17th century that the Roy family records show a significant volume in Canada, suggesting a considerable migration or growth in that region. YourRoots data also shows Roy family records in the United States, indicating an expansion over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Roy surname today?
By the 19th century, the volume of records with the Roy surname grew significantly in the United States, surpassing Canada. This trend continued into the 20th century, indicating a broadening presence of the Roy surname in the United States. Today, the “Roy” surname continues to have a significant presence in Canada and the United States, and it appears in other regions worldwide as well, showing the global spread of the Roy family.
Explore Roy last name heritage and Roy surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Roy Surame?
Anupam Roy
Anupam Roy (Mar 29, 1982 - ) is an Indian Bengali multi-talented artist known for his work as a singer-songwriter, music director, composer, and engineer. He has composed music for Bengali and Bollywood films, winning several awards for his work. Roy is also a certified engineer, adding to his diverse skill set.
Bimal Roy
Bimal Roy (12 Jul 1909 - 7 Jan 1966) was an influential Indian film director known for his realistic and socialistic films in Hindi cinema. He won numerous awards, including eleven Filmfare Awards and the International Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. His work was inspired by Italian neo-realistic cinema.
Prosit Roy
Prosit Roy is an Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter known for his work on the horror film "Pari" and the web series "Paatal Lok". He has garnered critical acclaim and awards for his directorial skills in the Bollywood industry.
Prabhat Roy
Prabhat Roy (born 1946 in Jamshedpore) is a former Indian director known for his work in Bengali cinema. He received multiple awards for his films and gained fame with "Protidan" in 1983. Roy also directed telefilms, TV series, and penned his autobiography, "Clapstick."
Nandita Roy
Nandita Roy (born Apr 3, 1955) is an Indian filmmaker, editor, and screenwriter. She co-directed hit films like Praktan and Bela Seshe, receiving awards for her work. Roy's contributions to the Bengali film industry have been widely recognized, making her a prominent figure in Indian cinema.
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