Declining since 2002, #3,249 for girls today.
Popularity of Joi since 1942
Babies named Joi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 29 |
| 1950s | 324 |
| 1960s | 677 |
| 1970s | 858 |
| 1980s | 1,114 |
| 1990s | 925 |
| 2000s | 994 |
| 2010s | 778 |
| 2020s | 396 |
Meaning & origin
Joi is a phonetic spelling of the English word joy, conveying happiness and delight. Its use as a given name dates back to at least 1942, according to Social Security data. The name peaked in popularity in 1981, though it has never ranked among the most common names. Since 2002, its usage has been gradually declining, but it remains a recognizable and cheerful choice. In 2025, it ranked 3249th nationwide, with higher relative use in Maryland, North Carolina, and Georgia. The name Joi is a direct expression of positivity, with minimal cultural or religious baggage.
Joi is a modern spelling variant of the English word and name Joy, which derives from the Old French 'joie', meaning 'joy, delight'. The word was adopted as a given name in the late 19th century, with alternative spellings like Joi and Joye emerging by the mid-20th century. The name has been used steadily in the United States since the 1940s.
Where Joi is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Joy
Sibling names for Joi
Names that share Joi's style, for a brother or sister.
