Roy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  France 
  Scotland 


The name Roy has a history dating as far back as the Middle Ages. It was a Bretonname for a person who acted the role of the king in local festivals, or who habitually put on regal airs. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old French word "rei", meaning king.

Early Origins of the Roy family

The surname Roy was first found in Brittany, where this eminent family held a family seat since ancient times.

Pierre du Roaiz is recorded in the cartulary of the hospitaliers (Religious orders who care for the sick and destitute) of Puy in 1181. Due to his great contributions to his community, Jean Roays was granted knighthood in 1253 and in 1261. In 1357, Robert Roays rendered homage for his fief to the Baron of Solignac and then in 1457 Jean III Roays carried out the same act to the Viscount Joyeuse, Baron of Saint-Didier-en-Velay. From this family came Simonnet des Roys, Lord of Roys, co-Lord of Brignon and Magistrate and Captain of the military. Actively involved in the Crusades, Etienne and Gilbert Roys were honored with the title of the Knights of Malta for their valiant action.

Valentin des Roys made a transaction with his brother on June 6, 1503, regarding the succession of their parents. From Valentin's marriage to Marie of Bourdelles, came the Marquis of Roys, the Lords of Eschandelys and the Barons of Enclos.

In 1684, Jacques, Marquis of Roys, rendered homage to the King. Following his noble descendants was Claude Annet, First Page to Louis XV and to Louis XVI, Captain of the Dauphiné cavalry, who obtained Honours from the Court in 1785. Etienne, his son, Marquis of Roys, married Jenny Hoche, daughter of the famous General, in 1832, and their son, Ernest, was the Auditor, a member of the State Council and the Deputy of la Seine-Inférieure.

One of the earliest records of the name Roy in Canada was with Etienne Roy, son of Mathurin and Marguerite (neé Bire) of La Rochelle. Etienne married Marguerite Navarre on 26th August 1669 and he died in Charlesbourg, Quebec and was buried on 1st March 1690. 1

Early History of the Roy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Roy research. Another 77 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Roy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Roy Spelling Variations

Throughout the course of history most surnames have undergone changes for many reasons. During the early development of the French language, a son and father may not have chosen to spell their name the same way. Many are simple spelling changes by a person who gave his name, phonetically, to a scribe, priest, or recorder. Many names held prefixes or suffixes which became optional as they passed through the centuries, or were adopted by different branches to signify either a political or religious adherence. Hence, we have many spelling variations of this name, Roy some of which are Roys, Roy, Roais, Roays, Roaiz, Roi, Rois, Le Roy, La Roy, Les Roys, Des Roys and many more.

Early Notables of the Roy family

Another 43 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Roy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Roy World Ranking

In the United States, the name Roy is the 446th most popular surname with an estimated 62,175 people with that name. 2 However, in Canada, the name Roy is ranked the 5th most popular surname with an estimated 90,417 people with that name. 3 And in Quebec, Canada, the name Roy is the 3rd popular surname. 4 France ranks Roy as 63rd with 36,435 people. 5 New Zealand ranks Roy as 868th with 844 people. 6


Roy migration to the United States +

In 1643, 109 years after the first landings by Cartier, there were only about 300 people in Quebec. Migration was slow. The fur trade attracted migrants, both noble and commoner. By 1675, there were 7000 French in Quebec. By the same year the French Acadian presence in the Maritimes had reached 500. The French founded Lower Canada, thus becoming one of the two great founding nations of Canada. The family name Roy has made many distinguished contributions in France and New France to the world of science, culture, religion, and education. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Roy were

Roy Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Roy Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Roy Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Roy migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Roy Settlers in Canada in the 17th Century
Roy Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Roy migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Roy Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Roy migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Roy Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Roy (post 1700) +
Fastest Delivery Possible

Digital Products on Checkout, all other products filled in 1 business day

Money Back Guarantee

Yes, all products 100% Guraranteed

BBB A+ Rating

The Best Rating possible

Secure Online Payment

Entire site uses SSL / Secure Certificate