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Roy

Boy name · 589 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Roy: 589 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 47 births in 1975.

Roy is a name with deep roots in both Scottish and Gaelic tradition, originally derived from the Gaelic *ruadh*, meaning “red.” This referred to a red-haired person or someone with a ruddy complexion. The most famous bearer is undoubtedly the legendary outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor, whose life of defiance in the 17th and 18th centuries inspired countless books and films. The name gained modern fame through the American singer Roy Orbison, known for his soaring ballads, and actor Roy Scheider of *Jaws* fame. The Roy family name also lends itself to several places, most notably the village of Roybridge in the Scottish Highlands. A well-known variant is the anglicised spelling *Roi*, but the name remains firmly classic in Scotland, often perceived as a sturdy and straightforward choice.