A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Joy since 1885
Babies named Joy per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1957, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Joy's real moment was 1974.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 52 |
| 1890s | 186 |
| 1900s | 364 |
| 1910s | 1,742 |
| 1920s | 7,353 |
| 1930s | 13,185 |
| 1940s | 15,564 |
| 1950s | 24,518 |
| 1960s | 21,756 |
| 1970s | 20,119 |
| 1980s | 11,680 |
| 1990s | 6,183 |
| 2000s | 5,933 |
| 2010s | 7,667 |
| 2020s | 4,392 |
Meaning & origin
Joy is a classic English virtue name that has never faded from use. First recorded in the United States in 1885, it reached its peak popularity in 1974. After a decline, Joy has been steadily rising in use since 2008, reflecting a broader revival of vintage virtue names. In 2025, it ranked 419th overall, with particular favor in states like Maine, Nevada, and Oklahoma. The name's straightforward meaning and positive connotations make it a cheerful choice that transcends trends.
Joy derives from the Middle English 'joye' and Old French 'joie', ultimately from the Latin 'gaudium' meaning 'joy' or 'rejoicing'. As a given name, it emerged among English Puritans in the 17th century as a virtue name, later gaining broader use. The name's association with a positive emotion has sustained its appeal across generations.
Where Joy 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.
“Joy” around the world
Where Joy lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#85
in 2024
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Quebec
9
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Sibling names for Joy
Names that share Joy's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Grace, Faith, Hope, Gloria, Felicity, Chasity, Dawn, Joyce, Angle, Charm, Cherish, Desire, Gay, Love, Memory, Merrie, Noelle, Treasure, Blessing, Blessyn, Bliss, Fayth, Freedom, Glory, Jubilee, Lovely, Praise, Toi, Adore, Angell, Beautiful, Beauty, Blessin, Delight, Epiphany, Faithlyn, Favor, Favour, Fortune, Glee, Glori, Happy, Joice, Jonda, Lively, Lovette, Merci, Merrily, Noeli, Peace, Pleasant, See, Serinity, Spirit, Amazing, Blessed, Blessen, Blessings, Caress, Chariti, Gift, Glorie, Glorious, Gracious, Holy, Noela, Pal, Rejoice, Smiley, Truly, Virgin, Wonder, Believe, Chairty, Christmas, Comfort, Free, Happiness, Hopie, Noele, Promiss, Prue
Brothers: John, James, Paul, David, Victor, Infant, Lucky, Saint, Chosen, Jame, Toy, True, Truth, Bless, Boy, Bright, Crist, Dal, Excell, Jac, Lyfe, Prosper, Rise, Solace, Son, Unnamed, Buzz, Chipper, Choice, Doctor, Marvelous, Psalms, Zeal, Trew, Awesome, Clever, Courage, Godson, Handsome, Jaque, Lovel, Nowell, Wise
Names like Joy
Names whose popularity has moved with Joy's over the last 50 years.
