Meaning & History
Roy is a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic word ruadh, meaning "red-haired." This origin reflects a common practice in Scottish and Irish naming traditions, where physical traits such as hair color were used to distinguish individuals, eventually becoming hereditary surnames. The name Roy is thus a descriptive byname that referred to a person with red hair, a feature historically more common in the Celtic populations of Scotland and Ireland. While it is etymologically independent, it may sometimes be confused with the French surname Roy (meaning "king"), but the Scottish version has a separate Gaelic root. The name is found primarily in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and the northeastern regions, and has spread through Scottish diaspora to countries like Canada and the United States.
- Meaning: “red-haired” (from Gaelic ruadh)
- Origin: Scottish Gaelic
- Type: Surname
- Usage Regions: Scotland, Scottish diaspora