name
Common
Joyce
joys
Joyce (name) means an English and Irish surname, most famously borne by the novelist James Joyce. Example: “James Joyce's Ulysses is considered a landmark of modern literature.”
name
1
An English and Irish surname, most famously borne by the novelist James Joyce.
"James Joyce's Ulysses is considered a landmark of modern literature."
2
A female given name, popularly linked (though not directly derived) from the word "joy."
"Joyce has worked as a librarian for over twenty years."
How to use Joyce
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA surname and first name that sounds like "joy" but actually has a different, older origin.
Easily confused with
james joyce
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Word forms
- Plural
- Joyces
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James _____'s Ulysses is considered a landmark of modern literature.
Etymology
From the medieval given name Josse, ultimately from a Breton word meaning "lord" — its link to "joy" is a popular but mistaken folk association.
Synonyms
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Jocelyn
Josse
Related words
Rhymes for Joyce
See all rhymes for Joyce →Frequently asked questions
What does “Joyce” mean?
The word “Joyce” means an English and Irish surname, most famously borne by the novelist James Joyce. In plain terms, a surname and first name that sounds like "joy" but actually has a different, older origin.
How do you pronounce “Joyce”?
“Joyce” is pronounced joys (/d͡ʒɔɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “Joyce” in a sentence?
Here is “Joyce” used in a sentence: “James Joyce's Ulysses is considered a landmark of modern literature.”
What part of speech is “Joyce”?
“Joyce” is a name.
Is “Joyce” a common word?
“Joyce” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Joyce” have?
“Joyce” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an English and Irish surname, most famously borne by the novelist James Joyce.
Is Joyce a first name or a surname?
Joyce can be either. As a surname it is English and Irish and is most famously associated with the novelist James Joyce, while as a female given name it is popularly linked to the word "joy" even though it is not directly derived from it.
What is the origin of the name Joyce?
As a surname, Joyce has English and Irish roots. As a first name, its popular association with "joy" is a folk connection rather than a true etymological derivation.
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