Loyce is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. The name Loyce is derived from the Old French word 'lois', which means 'joy' or 'happiness'. It was introduced to England during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, when the Normans brought their culture and language to the British Isles.
Over time, the name evolved phonetically and orthographically, eventually becoming Loyce. Despite its French origins, Loyce has been predominantly used as a female given name in English-speaking countries. However, it is important to note that Loyce can also be used as a masculine name, although this is less common.
The name Loyce is not particularly popular today, but it has appeared occasionally throughout history. For instance, there was a Lady Loyce who lived in the late 15th century and was the wife of Sir John Fogge, a prominent English courtier. This suggests that the name was used during this period, although its popularity remains uncertain.
In literature, the name Loyce appears in Charles Dickens' novel "Bleak House" (1852-1853), where it is given to one of the characters. This further attests to the name's existence and usage in Victorian England.
Overall, Loyce is a rare and intriguing given name with an interesting historical background. While its meaning conveys positivity and happiness, the name itself has a distinct and somewhat mysterious quality that sets it apart from more common names.
In the United States, the name Loycie experienced a brief moment of popularity in 1921 with five babies being given this unique moniker that year. This represents a single occurrence of the name among all births registered that year, making it a rare choice for newborns during that particular period.