Joyce definition

Medieval English given name from , name of a seventh century saint Latinized as Jodocus, from , diminutive of .

1860 Mrs Henry Wood (Ellen Wood): East Lynne:

"It's a curious name," remarked Captain Levison. "Joyce - Joyce! I never heard such a name. Is it a Christian name or a surname?"

"She was baptised Joyce. It is not so very uncommon. Her name is Joyce Hallijohn. She has been with us several years."
1959 Anne Sexton: The Double Image:

You call me mother, and I remember my mother again,

somewhere in greater Boston, dying.

I remember we named you Joyce

so we could call you Joy.