The Baby Name Wizard

Reader Contributions

Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Joy!

Comments and insights on the name Joy: | Edit

This name seems to have slipped in popularity in recent years. But my sister (who is named Joy) says she encounters more Joys of Asian ancestry than otherwise.

Personal experiences with the name Joy: | Edit

Almost every Joy I've ever met has been anything but joyful. They tend to be spiteful and embittered. And they really don't like it if you point out how ironic it is that their name is Joy.

Yes! That's exactly my experiences!

Amazing, I only know one Joy. She is a miserable lady. Very sad to me to see. Spiteful and angry.

Wow! I'm sorry to hear that. My name is Joy and I have been known as "joyful" most of my life. People nicknamed me "Joyful" and "Joyous" at the many different schools I attended. It probably helped that people would start singing "Joy to the World" (both versions) when they met me. Most people say that I'm appropriately named. I always had a hard time identifying with other girls though. My name wasn't like all the other girl names....Stacy, Jennifer, etc. I rarely encountered another Joy growing up...and I changed schools every year or two. When I did meet another Joy, it was usually short for Joyce. I wish I could meet those who've had a bad Joy experience...I think I could make a better impression. :)

Nicknames for Joy: | Edit

Joy Bell

Meanings and history of the name Joy: | Edit

Taken from the word "joy", meaning delight or great happiness, which derives from Old French "joie". This is a virtue name like Hope, Faith, and Patience.

Famous real-life people named Joy: | Edit

Joy Adamson (born Friederike Victoria Gessner), wildlife rehabilitator and author, most famous for her bestseller "Born Free".
Joy Behar, American comedian and panelist on the television talk show "The View".
Joy Davidman, American writer, wife of C.S. Lewis.
Joy Fielding, Canadian novelist
Joy Kogawa, Japanese-Canadian novelist
Joy Bryant, actress and model
Joy-Anna Duggar, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's ninth child. They have nineteen children.

Joy in song, story & screen: | Edit

Joy Turner, character in the TV series, "My Name is Earl".