Roy
Roy has dual origins. From the Old French "roi" (king), it means king. From the Gaelic "ruadh" (red), it refers to someone with red hair. Roy was a top-50 American name from 1890 to 1955, peaking at #20 in 1900. Roy (the abstract expressionist painter Roy Lichtenstein, 1923-1997, whose comic-book-inspired art defined Pop Art alongside Andy Warhol) is the most famous artistic bearer. Roy (the country singer Roy Orbison, 1936-1988, whose "Oh, Pretty Woman" defined an era) gave the name a musical charge. The single syllable is direct, and the "y" ending gives it lightness. Roy is a male name of Old French / Gaelic origin that means "King (French) or "red" (Gaelic)". Brisk, mid-century, and a little Western. The name sounds direct. Roys tend to be steady. US peaked #20 in 1900. Outside top 500 since 2010. Well-known people named Roy include Roy Lichtenstein (painter), Roy Orbison (singer), Roy Rogers (cowboy actor), Roy (Old French word). Common variations and related forms of Roy include Royce (related), Leroy (related), Royd (variant), Royle (variant).