Joyce
Joyce has disputed origins. The most popular theory traces it to the Old French "Josce," a form of the Breton "Jodoc," meaning "lord." The name was originally a male name — Saint Jodoc was a 7th-century Breton monk. In English, Joyce was used as a male name through the medieval period (as in Joyce of Norway, a 14th-century claimant to the Scottish throne) and crossed to female usage in the 19th century. Joyce was a top-100 American name from 1915 to 1960, peaking at #20 in 1934. The peak was so concentrated that Joyce now reads as definitively mid-century. Joyce Carol Oates (born 1938), the author of more than 50 novels, is one of the most prolific American writers. James Joyce (1882-1941), the Irish author of "Ulysses" (1922), is the most famous male bearer — one of the most important novelists of the 20th century. I find Joyce has a slightly mid-century quality — the "J" opening is firm, and the single syllable is direct. The name has been outside the US top 500 since 2008. Joyce is a female name of Old French / Breton origin that means "Lord (from Josse/Jodoc)". Mid-century, capable, and a little literary. The name sounds direct. Joyces tend to be sharp. US peaked #20 in 1934. Outside top 500 since 2008. Well-known people named Joyce include James Joyce (author, male), Joyce Carol Oates (author), Joyce (Breton name), Joyce (fictional, various). Common variations and related forms of Joyce include Jocosa (Latin form), Jocelyn (related), Joy (related), Joice (variant).