Holding steady.
Popularity of Loy since 1881
Babies named Loy per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1922, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Loy's real moment was 1903.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 38 |
| 1890s | 15 | 73 |
| 1900s | 11 | 116 |
| 1910s | 118 | 543 |
| 1920s | 113 | 825 |
| 1930s | 180 | 771 |
| 1940s | 179 | 599 |
| 1950s | 161 | 451 |
| 1960s | 74 | 285 |
| 1970s | 21 | 178 |
| 1980s | 0 | 88 |
| 1990s | 0 | 65 |
| 2000s | 0 | 51 |
| 2010s | 0 | 21 |
| 2020s | 0 | 7 |
Meaning & origin
Loy is a concise, traditional name that peaked in 1903, the year it reached its highest recorded use. Though it has never been a common choice, its trajectory has remained stable over the decades, appearing infrequently but consistently in birth records. As a short form of Lewis or Louis, it carries the meaning 'famous warrior' from its Old German roots. The name's appeal may lie in its simplicity and vintage charm, fitting alongside other short, sturdy names of the early 1900s. While no top states are associated with its use, Loy represents a quiet piece of naming history reflecting the era's preference for diminutives.
Loy is most commonly considered a diminutive or nickname for Lewis or Louis, names derived from the Germanic name Ludwig, meaning 'famous warrior.' It emerged in medieval England as a familiar form and occasionally appears as a surname. As a given name, it saw modest use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States, where it ranked highest in popularity around 1903.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Loy
Names that share Loy's style, for a brother or sister.
