Roy is a masculine given name and a family surname with varied origin. In

Anglo-Norman Anglo-Norman may refer to: *Anglo-Normans, the medieval ruling class in England following the Norman conquest of 1066 *Anglo-Norman language **Anglo-Norman literature *Anglo-Norman England, or Norman England, the period in English history from 1066 ...

England, the name derived from the Norman ''roy'', meaning "king", while its

Old French Old French (, , ; Modern French: ) was the language spoken in most of the northern half of France from approximately the 8th to the 14th centuries. Rather than a unified language, Old French was a linkage of Romance dialects, mutually intel ...

cognate, ''rey'' or ''roy'' (modern ''roi''), likewise gave rise to Roy as a variant in the

Francophone French became an international language in the Middle Ages, when the power of the Kingdom of France made it the second international language, alongside Latin. This status continued to grow into the 18th century, by which time French was the l ...

world. In India, Roy is a variant of the surname ''

Rai RAI – Radiotelevisione italiana (; commercially styled as Rai since 2000; known until 1954 as Radio Audizioni Italiane) is the national public broadcasting company of Italy, owned by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. RAI operates many ter ...

'',. likewise meaning "king".. It also arose independently in Scotland, an

anglicisation Anglicisation is the process by which a place or person becomes influenced by English culture or British culture, or a process of cultural and/or linguistic change in which something non-English becomes English. It can also refer to the influe ...

from the

Scottish Gaelic Scottish Gaelic ( gd, Gàidhlig ), also known as Scots Gaelic and Gaelic, is a Goidelic language (in the Celtic branch of the Indo-European language family) native to the Gaels of Scotland. As a Goidelic language, Scottish Gaelic, as well as ...

nickname ''ruadh'', meaning "red".

Given name

Roy Acuff Roy Claxton Acuff (September 15, 1903 – November 23, 1992) was an American country music singer, fiddler, and promoter. Known as the "King of Country Music", Acuff is often credited with moving the genre from its early string band and "hoedow ...

(1903–1992), American country music singer and fiddler *

Roy Andersen Roy Andersen (born 2 April 1955) is a former Norwegian long-distance runner. Internationally he finished tenth at the 1982 European Championships and 38th at the 1986 World Cross Country Championships. He also competed at the 1983 World Champ ...

(born 1955), runner *

Roy Andersen (South Africa) Major General Roy Cecil Andersen (born 12 May 1948 in Johannesburg) is a South African businessman and a retired Reserve general officer in the South African Army from the artillery. He matriculated from Northview High School and graduated fro ...

(born 1948), South African businessman and military officer *

Roy Anderson (American football) Roy Anderson (born October 5, 1980) is an American football coach for the Minnesota Vikings. Coaching career Anderson's career began at Florida A&M where, in 2002, he served as a graduate assistant. In 2003, at LSU under Nick Saban, Anderson w ...

(born 1980), American football coach * Sir

Roy M. Anderson Sir Roy Malcolm Anderson (born 12 April 1947) is a leading international authority on the epidemiology and control of infectious diseases. He is the author, with Robert May, of the most highly cited book in this field, entitled '' Infectiou ...

(born 1947), British scientific adviser *

Roy Andersson Roy Arne Lennart Andersson (born 31 March 1943) is a Swedish film director, best known for ''A Swedish Love Story'' (1970), '' About Endlessness'' (2019) and his "Living trilogy," which includes ''Songs from the Second Floor'' (2000), ''You, th ...

(born 1943), Swedish film director *

Roy Andersson (footballer) Bror Roy Andersson (born 2 August 1949) is a Swedish former footballer who played as a defender. He won 20 caps for the Sweden national team, and played three matches at the 1978 FIFA World Cup. He was a strong central defender for Malmö FF ...

(born 1949), footballer from Sweden *

Roy Chapman Andrews Roy Chapman Andrews (January 26, 1884 – March 11, 1960) was an American explorer, adventurer and naturalist who became the director of the American Museum of Natural History. He led a series of expeditions through the politically disturbed ...

(1884–1960), American naturalist and explorer *

Roy Ascott Roy Ascott FRSA (born 26 October 1934) is a British artist, who works with cybernetics and telematics on an art he calls technoetic by focusing on the impact of digital and telecommunications networks on consciousness. Since the 1960s, Ascott ...

(born 1934), British artist and theorist * Roy Black (singer) (1943–1991), German singer and actor *

Roy Blount Jr. Roy Alton Blount Jr. (; born October 4, 1941) is an American writer, speaker, reporter, and humorist. Life and career Blount was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and grew up in Decatur, Georgia. He attended Ponce de Leon Elementary School and gr ...

(born 1941), American writer, speaker, reporter and humorist *

Roy Blunt Roy Dean Blunt (born January 10, 1950) is an American politician serving as the senior United States senator for Missouri, a seat he was first elected to in 2010. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as the 33rd Missouri Secr ...

(born 1950), United States Senator and former congressman * Roy Bucher (1895-1980), British-Indian soldier and Commander-in-Chief * Roy C (1939–2020), American soul and R&B singer and songwriter * Roy Campanella (1921–1993), American Hall of Fame baseball catcher *

Roy Campanella II Roy Campanella II (born June 20, 1948) is a television director and producer. Biography Born Roy Campanella II, he is the son of professional baseball great Roy Campanella. After directing some short films, the younger Campanella began direc ...

(born 1948), television director and producer, son of the above * Roy Castle (1932–1994), English dancer, singer, musician, comedian, actor, television presenter and musician *

Roy Cimatu Roy Agullana Cimatu (, born July 4, 1946) is a retired Philippine Army General officer, general who served as the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (Philippines), Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources from 2017 to 2022 in ...

(born 1946), Filipino government administrator and retired army general *

Roy Clark Roy Linwood Clark (April 15, 1933 – November 15, 2018) was an American singer and musician. He is best known for having hosted '' Hee Haw'', a nationally televised country variety show, from 1969 to 1997. Clark was an important and influe ...

(1933–2018), American country music singer and musician * Roy Clarke (born 1930), English comedy writer *

Roy Christian Fletcher Roy Christian (born 10 October 1943) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1960s and 1970s. A , he captained New Zealand in the sport. Christian also captained the New Zealand Māori rugby leagu ...

(born 1943), New Zealand rugby league footballer *

Roy Cohn Roy Marcus Cohn (; February 20, 1927 – August 2, 1986) was an American lawyer and prosecutor who came to prominence for his role as Senator Joseph McCarthy's chief counsel during the Army–McCarthy hearings in 1954, when he assisted McCarth ...

(1927–1986), American lawyer best known as Senator Joseph McCarthy's counsel from 1953 to 1954 *

Roy Cooper Roy Asberry Cooper III (born June 13, 1957) is an American attorney and politician, serving as the 75th governor of North Carolina since 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 49th attorney general of North Carolina from 200 ...

(born 1957), American politician and governor of North Carolina *

Roy DeMeo Roy Albert DeMeo (; September 7, 1940 – January 10, 1983) was an Italian-American mobster in the Gambino crime family of New York City. He headed a group referred to as the "DeMeo crew", which became notorious for the large number of murder ...

(1940–1983), Italian-American mobster *

Roy de Silva Chathurartha Devadithya Gardiyawasam Lindamulage Roy Aloysius Felix de Silva, popularly known as Roy de Silva (රෝයි ද සිල්වා; 30 August 1937 – 30 June 2018), was a Sri Lankan actor and film director in Sri Lankan cinema a ...

(1937–2018), Sri Lankan Sinhala actor and director * Roy E. Disney (1930–2009), American businessman *

Roy O. Disney Roy Oliver Disney (; June 24, 1893 – December 20, 1971) was an American businessman and co-founder of The Walt Disney Company. He was the older brother of Walt Disney and the father of Roy E. Disney. Biography Early life Disney was bor ...

(1893–1971), American businessman *

Roy Dobbin Roy Samuel Dobbin (22 November 1873 - 10 March 1939) was professor of midwifery and gynaecology at the Royal School of Medicine in Cairo and was obstetric surgeon and gynaecologist to Kasr-el-Aini Hospital. During the First World War he served as ...

(1873-1939), founding member of the

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) is a professional association based in London, United Kingdom. Its members, including people with and without medical degrees, work in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology, that ...

Roy Drusky Roy Frank Drusky, Jr. (June 22, 1930 – September 23, 2004) was an American country music singer, songwriter, producer, actor and disc jockey popular from the 1960s through the early 1970s. Known for his baritone voice, he was known for inco ...

(1930–2004), American country music singer and songwriter *

Roy Face Elroy Leon Face (born February 20, 1928), nicknamed The Bullpen Baron, is an American former professional baseball relief pitcher. During a 17-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career, he pitched primarily for the Pittsburgh Pirates. A pioneer of ...

(born 1928), often referred to as "Elroy Face", American baseball relief pitcher *

Roy Firestone Roy Firestone (born December 8, 1953) is an American sports commentator and journalist. Firestone is a graduate of Miami Beach High School and the University of Miami. Television career Firestone began his career as a sports anchor and repor ...

(born 1953), American sports talk show host * Roy Foster (baseball) (1945–2008), American baseball player *

Roy Gagnon Roy Joseph Maurice Gagnon (January 6, 1913 – June 29, 2000) was an American football guard who played one season with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Oregon and attended DeLaSa ...

(1913–2000), American football player *

Roy J. Glauber Roy Jay Glauber (September 1, 1925 – December 26, 2018) was an American theoretical physicist. He was the Mallinckrodt Professor of Physics at Harvard University and Adjunct Professor of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona. Born in New ...

(1925–2018), American physicist and 2005 Nobel prize winner *

Roy M. Goodman Roy Matz Goodman (March 5, 1930 – June 3, 2014) was an American politician and businessman who served as a member of the New York State Senate from 1969 to 2002. He was the Republican nominee in the 1977 New York City mayoral election, r ...

(1930–2014), New York state senator *

Roy Halladay Harry Leroy "Roy" Halladay III (May 14, 1977 – November 7, 2017) was an American professional baseball pitcher, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies between 1998 and 2013. His nicknam ...

(1977–2017), American baseball pitcher *

Roy Halliday Roy is a masculine given name and a family surname with varied origin. In Anglo-Norman England, the name derived from the Norman ''roy'', meaning "king", while its Old French cognate, ''rey'' or ''roy'' (modern ''roi''), likewise gave rise to ...

(1923–2007), British vice-admiral * Roy Halston Frowick (1932–1990), better known as

Halston Roy Halston Frowick (April 23, 1932 – March 26, 1990), known mononymously as Halston, was an American fashion designer who rose to international fame in the 1970s. His minimalist, clean designs, often made of cashmere or ultrasuede, were ...

, clothing designer *

Roy Hamilton Roy Hamilton (April 16, 1929 – July 20, 1969) was an American singer. By combining semi-classical technique with traditional black gospel feeling, he brought soul to Great American Songbook singing. Hamilton's greatest commercial success ca ...

(1929–1969), American singer *

Roy Hamilton (basketball) Roy Lee Hamilton (born July 20, 1957) is an American former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) who is currently a coordinating producer for Fox Sports Net. He played college basketball at the ...

(born 1957), American basketball player and sports television producer *

Roy Hargrove Roy Anthony Hargrove (October 16, 1969 – November 2, 2018) was an American jazz musician and composer whose principal instruments were the trumpet and flugelhorn. He achieved worldwide acclaim after winning two Grammy Awards for differing style ...

(1969–2018), American jazz trumpeter *

Roy Harper (disambiguation) Roy Harper may refer to: *Roy Harper (character) Roy Harper is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Roy is one of DC's most longstanding characters, originating in 1940s comics as Speedy (DC Comics), Speedy, the ...

Roy Harris (disambiguation) Roy Harris (1898–1979) was an American classical composer. Roy Harris may also refer to: *Roy V. Harris (1895–1985), American politician, member of the Georgia House of Representatives and the Georgia State Senate * Roy Harris (British Arm ...

Roy Harrison Roy Harrison (born 30 August 1939) is an Irish former cricketer. A right-handed batsman and right-arm medium pace bowler, he played three times for the Ireland cricket team between 1967 and 1968 including one first-class match. Playing ca ...

(born 1939), Irish former cricketer *

Roy M. Harrison Roy Michael Harrison (born 1948) is a British academic who is the Queen Elizabeth II Birmingham Centenary Professor of Environmental health at the University of Birmingham in the UK and a Distinguished Adjunct Professor at King Abdulaziz Univer ...

(born 1948), environmental chemist * Roy Hartsfield (1925–2011), American Major League Baseball player and manager * Roy Hattersley (born 1932), British politician, author and journalist *

Roy Head Roy Kent Head (January 9, 1941 – September 21, 2020) was an American singer, best known for his hit song " Treat Her Right". Career Roy Kent Head was born in Three Rivers, Texas and achieved fame as a member of musical group The Traits from ...

(1941–2020), American country music, rockabilly, and R&B singer *

Roy Hibbert Roy Denzil Hibbert (born December 11, 1986) is a Jamaican-American former professional basketball player. He is a two-time NBA All-Star, and earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2014. Hibbert was the runner-up for the NBA Defensive Play ...

(born 1986), Jamaican-American retired basketball player *

Roy Hodgson Roy Hodgson (born 9 August 1947) is a former English football manager and player. He managed 22 different teams in eight countries, beginning in Sweden with Halmstads BK in the 1976 season. He later guided the Switzerland national team to ...

(born 1947), English former football player and current manager * Roy Horn (born Uwe Ludwig Horn, 1944-2020), half of the Las Vegas show team Siegfried & Roy *

Roy Howell Roy Lee Howell (born December 18, 1953) is an American former professional baseball third baseman, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1974–1984 for the Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Milwaukee Brewers. Professional career T ...

(born 1953), American former Major League baseball player * Roy Lee Jackson (born 1954), American former Major League Baseball pitcher * Roy Douglas Jayetileke, Sri Lankan Sinhala army officer *

Roy Jenkins Roy Harris Jenkins, Baron Jenkins of Hillhead, (11 November 1920 – 5 January 2003) was a British politician who served as President of the European Commission from 1977 to 1981. At various times a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Lab ...

(1920–2003), Welsh politician and author *

Roy Johnson (pitcher) Roy Johnson (October 1, 1895 – January 10, 1986) was an American right-handed pitcher and longtime coach in Major League Baseball. He also was the interim manager of the Chicago Cubs for one game in 1944. He was nicknamed "Hardrock" as a min ...

(1895–1986), baseball pitcher, manager and longtime coach * Roy Jones Jr. (born 1969), professional boxer *

Roy Keane Roy Maurice Keane (born 10 August 1971) is an Irish football pundit, coach and former professional player. He is the joint most successful Irish footballer of all time, having won 19 major trophies in his club career, 17 of which came durin ...

(born 1971), Irish former football player and current manager * Roy Khan (born 1970), former singer of power metal band Kamelot *

Roy Kim Kim Sang-woo (; born July 3, 1993), known professionally as Roy Kim (), is a South Korean singer-songwriter and radio presenter. He began his singing career after winning the television talent show '' Superstar K 4'' in 2012. Kim officially de ...

(born 1993), born Kim Sang-woo, South Korean singer-songwriter *

Roy Kinnear Roy Mitchell Kinnear (8 January 1934 – 20 September 1988) was a British character actor. He was known for his roles in films such as The Beatles' ''Help!'' (1965), Clapper in '' How I Won the War'' (1967) and Planchet in ''The Three Musketeer ...

(1934–1988), English actor * Roy Lechthaler (1908–1980), American football player * Roy Li Fey Huei (born 1965), Singaporean musician * Roy Lichtenstein (1923–1997), American pop artist *

Roy Lopez (American football) Roy Jacob Lopez (born August 7, 1997) is an American football defensive tackle for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at New Mexico State before transferring to Arizona and was drafted by the ...

(born 1997), American football player *

Roy Makaay Rudolphus Antonius "Roy" Makaay (born 9 March 1975) is a Dutch former footballer and a coach who is currently first team coach at Rangers. As a striker, he was known for his goal-scoring ability as a result of his "aerial prowess and quick driv ...

(born 1975), Dutch footballer and current manager *

Roy Masters (commentator) Roy Masters (born 2 April 1928, died 22 April 2021) was an English-born American author, radio personality, businessman and hypnotist. He was the creator of a type of mindfulness meditation exercise, which has appeared in his books and recordi ...

(born 1928), American talk radio personality, podcaster and spiritual counselor *

Roy McMillan Roy is a masculine given name and a family surname with varied origin. In Anglo-Norman England, the name derived from the Norman ''roy'', meaning "king", while its Old French cognate, ''rey'' or ''roy'' (modern ''roi''), likewise gave rise t ...

(1929–1997), American baseball player *

Roy Morris Roy "Skip" Morris ( – 14 May 2011) was a British Scout Leader and recipient of the Silver Wolf Award (The Scout Association), Silver Wolf Award, the highest award of The Scout Association, "for services of the most exceptional character". Mor ...

(–2011), British Scout Leader, recipient of the Silver Wolf Award *

Roy Moore Roy Stewart Moore (born February 11, 1947) is an American politician, lawyer, and jurist who served as the 27th and 31st chief justice of the Supreme Court of Alabama from 2001 to 2003 and again from 2013 to 2017, each time being removed fr ...

(born 1947), American politician and former state judge *

Roy Nachum Roy Nachum (born 1979) is an Israeli New York-based contemporary artist working in painting, sculpture, and installation. Biography Nachum was born in Jerusalem, Israel, and studied at Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem from 2001 to ...

(born 1979), Israeli contemporary artist * Roy Nelson (disambiguation), multiple people *

Roy Niederhoffer Roy Gary Niederhoffer (born 1966) is an American hedge fund manager.George Loomis"NYCO: renaissance for a victim of the financial crisis" ''The Financial Times'', January 29, 2016 He graduated from Harvard College magna cum laude in 1987, with a ...

(born 1966), American hedge fund manager and philanthropist *

Roy Nissany Roy Nissany ( he, רוי ניסני; born 30 November 1994) is an Israeli racing driver who is set to compete in the Formula 2 Championship with PHM Racing by Charouz. He is also currently a Formula 1 test driver with Williams Grand Prix Eng ...

(born 1994), Israeli racing driver *

Roy Olmstead Roy Olmstead (September 18, 1886 – April 30, 1966) was one of the most successful and best-known bootleggers in the Pacific Northwest region during American Prohibition. A former lieutenant in the Seattle Police Department, he began smuggl ...

(1886-1966), American policeman, then bootlegger * Roy Orbison (1936–1988), American singer-songwriter *

Roy Oxlade Roy Oxlade (13 January 1929 – 15 February 2014) was an English painter, writer on art, and an art educator. Review of the 2013 exhibition at the Art Space Gallery, London, with photographs of seven paintings. Biography Roy Oxlade was born i ...

(1929–2014), English painter and writer on art *

Roy Pinney Roy Schiffer Pinney (August 13, 1911August 9, 2010) was a professional photographer, herpetologist, writer, journalist, war correspondent and pilot. Pinney was the former president of the New York Herpetological Society and the author of '' Th ...

(1911–2010), herpetologist, professional photographer, writer, spelunker, pilot and war correspondent *

Roy Rogers Roy Rogers (born Leonard Franklin Slye; November 5, 1911 – July 6, 1998) was an American singer, actor, and television host. Following early work under his given name, first as co-founder of the Sons of the Pioneers and then acting, the rebra ...

(1911–1998), American singing movie cowboy *

Roy Rosselló Roy Stephan Roselló Diaz (born May 1, 1970) is a Puerto Rican pop and gospel singer, businessman, and former member of the popular Puerto Rican group Menudo. Roy currently lives in Brazil, where he focused his musical career and built a fami ...

(born 1970), former member of Puerto Rican Boyband Menudo from 1983–1986. *

Roy Sanders (Louisiana politician) Roy Sanders may refer to: * Roy Sanders (American League pitcher) Roy Lee Sanders (June 10, 1894 – July 8, 1963) was a Major League Baseball pitcher. Sanders played for the New York Yankees in and the St. Louis Browns in . In 14 career games ...

(1904–1976), American educator and Louisiana state legislator *

Roy Scheider Roy Richard Scheider (; November 10, 1932 – February 10, 2008) was an American actor and amateur boxer. Described by AllMovie as "one of the most unique and distinguished of all Hollywood actors", he gained fame for his leading and supporting ...

(1932–2008), film actor * Roy Schwartz Tichon, Social entrepreneur promoting public transportation on Saturday in Israel *

Roy Schwitters Roy F. Schwitters, (June 20, 1944 – January 10, 2023) was an American physicist who was professor of physics at the University of Texas at Austin. He was formerly a professor of physics at Harvard and Stanford, as well as director of the Supe ...

(born 1944), American physicist * Roy D. Shapiro, Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School *

Roy Shepherd Roy Shepherd (born ) is a former United Kingdom, British ice hockey player. He played between 1951 and 1978 for the Wembley Lions, Southampton Vikings and Brighton Tigers. He also played for the Great Britain national ice hockey team between 19 ...

(born 1931), British ice hockey player * Roy Shepherd (pianist) (1907–1986), Australian pianist and teacher *

Roy Sievers Roy Edward Sievers (November 18, 1926 – April 3, 2017) was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a first baseman and left fielder from through . A five-time All-Star, Sievers was the American L ...

(1926–2017), American baseball player * Roy Smalley Jr. (1926–2011), American baseball player, father of Roy Smalley III *

Roy Smalley III Roy Frederick Smalley III (born October 25, 1952) is a former professional baseball shortstop, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1975 through 1987 for the Texas Rangers (1975–76), Minnesota Twins (1976–82; 1985–87), New York ...

(born 1952), American baseball player, son of Roy Smalley Jr. *

Roy Staiger Roy Joseph Staiger (born January 6, 1950) is a former Major League Baseball third baseman. He was part of the first player trade between the New York Mets and New York Yankees that did not also involve a third team. Draft Staiger was born & rais ...

(born 1950), baseball player in the late 1970s *

Roy Sullivan Roy Cleveland Sullivan (February 7, 1912 – September 28, 1983) was an American park ranger in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Between 1942 and 1977, Sullivan was claimed to have been hit by lightning on seven occasions, surviving all o ...

(1912–1983), American park ranger *

Roy Thomas (pitcher) Roy Justin Thomas (born June 22, 1953) is an American former professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) who played for the Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals and Seattle Mariners in all or parts of eight seasons spanning 1977– ...

(born 1953), American baseball player *

Roy Underhill Roy Underhill (born December 22, 1950)

(born 1950), host of the PBS series ''The Woodwright's Shop'' *

Roy Webb Royden Denslow Webb (October 3, 1888 – December 10, 1982) was an American film music composer. Webb has hundreds of film music credits to his name, mainly with RKO Pictures. He is best known for film noir and horror film scores, in particular f ...

(1888–1982), gospel music pianist and speaker *

Roy White Roy Hilton White (born December 27, 1943) is an American former professional baseball player and coach. He played his entire career in Major League Baseball as an outfielder for the New York Yankees between 1965 and 1979. With the Yankees, he won ...

(born 1943), American all-star baseball player *

Roy Williams (basketball coach) Roy Allen Williams (born August 1, 1950) is an American retired college basketball coach who served as the men's head coach for the North Carolina Tar Heels for 18 seasons and the Kansas Jayhawks for 15 seasons. He was inducted into the College ...

(born 1950), American college basketball coach *

Roy Williamson Roy Murdoch Buchanan Williamson (25 June 1936 – 12 August 1990) was a Scottish songwriter and folk musician, most notably with The Corries. Williamson is best known for writing "Flower of Scotland", which has become the de facto national ant ...

(1936–1990), Scottish folk singer *

Roy Wilkins Roy Ottoway Wilkins (August 30, 1901 – September 8, 1981) was a prominent activist in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the 1930s to the 1970s. Wilkins' most notable role was his leadership of the National Association for the ...

(1901–1981), civil rights activist *

Roy Wood Roy Wood (born 8 November 1946) is an English musician and singer-songwriter. He was particularly successful in the 1960s and 1970s as member and co-founder of the Move, Electric Light Orchestra and Wizzard. As a songwriter, he contributed a ...

(born 1946), English singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist

Surname

* Anupam Roy (born 1982), Indian singer and music director *

Ajoy Roy Ajoy Roy (1 March 1935 – 9 December 2019) was a Bangladeshi professor of physics at the University of Dhaka, but was best known for his prominent role in Bangladesh's human rights activism and freethinking. He was one of the eminent educationi ...

(1935–2019), Bangladeshi physicist and human rights activist *

Anuradha Roy (novelist) Anuradha Roy is an Indian novelist, journalist and editor. She has written five novels: ''An Atlas of Impossible Longing'' (2008), ''The Folded Earth'' (2011), '' Sleeping on Jupiter'' (2015), ''All the Lives We Never Lived'' (2018), and ''The ...

(born 1967), Indian Bengali novelist and journalist * Aruna Roy (born 1946), Indian Tamil social activist *

Arundhati Roy Suzanna Arundhati Roy (born 24 November 1961) is an Indian author best known for her novel ''The God of Small Things'' (1997), which won the Booker Prize for Fiction in 1997 and became the best-selling book by a non-expatriate Indian author. S ...

(born 1961), Indian Keralite novelist and political activist *

Avik Roy Avik Roy (; Bengali language, Bengali: অভীক রায়) is an American conservative commentator and activist. Education and early career Roy was born in Rochester, Michigan, to Indian immigrant parents, and attended high school in Be ...

, American political commentator *

Bidhan Chandra Roy Bidhan Chandra Roy (1 July 1882 – 1 July 1962) was an Indian physician, educationist, and statesman who served as Chief Minister of West Bengal from 1948 until his death in 1962. Roy played a key role in the founding of several institutio ...

(1882–1962), Indian Bengali politician *

Bikash Roy Bikash Roy (16 May 1916 – 16 April 1987) was an Indian actor and filmmaker who is known for his work in Bengali cinema. He is well known for his character roles and for his own style of acting in Bengali films from the late 1940s until the mi ...

(1916–1987), Indian Bengali actor *

Bimal Roy Bimal Roy (12 July 1909 – 8 January 1966) was an Indian film director. He is particularly noted for his realistic and socialistic films such as '' Do Bigha Zamin'', '' Parineeta'', '' Biraj Bahu'', ''Devdas'', ''Madhumati'', '' Sujata'', '' ...

(1909–1966), Indian Bengali film director *

Brandon Roy Brandon Dawayne Roy (born July 23, 1984) is an American basketball coach and former player. He serves as the head coach of the boys' basketball team at Garfield High School in Seattle. Roy played six seasons in the National Basketball Associati ...

(born 1984), American basketball player *

Bravvion Roy Bravvion Roy (born October 18, 1996) is an American football nose tackle for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Baylor, and was drafted by the Panthers in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Dr ...

(born 1996), American football player *

Bryan Roy Bryan Eduard Steven Roy (born 12 February 1970) is a Dutch football manager and a former professional player. As a player he was a winger and notably played for Ajax, Nottingham Forest and Hertha BSC. His spell at Forest culminated in three Pr ...

(born 1970), Dutch football (soccer) player and current manager *

Bunker Roy Sanjit "Bunker" Roy (born 30 June 1945) is an Indian social activist and educator who founded the Barefoot College. He was selected as one of Time 100's 100 most influential personalities in 2010 for his work in educating illiterate and semi ...

(born 1945), Indian Bengali social activist * Claude Roy (physician) (born 1928), Canadian physician *

Claude Roy (poet) Claude Roy (28 August 1915 – 13 December 1997) was a French poet and essayist. He was born and died in Paris. Biography After the fall of France during World War II, Roy was captured as a prisoner of war. He later escaped and joined the French ...

(1915–1997), French poet and essayist *

Claude Roy (politician) Claude Roy (born April 25, 1952 in Montmagny, Quebec) is a politician from Quebec, Canada. He was an Action démocratique du Québec Member of the National Assembly for the electoral district of Montmagny-L'Islet from 2007 to 2008. Roy studied ...

(born 1952), Canadian politician *

Craig Roy __NOTOC__ Craig may refer to: Geology *Craig (landform), a rocky hill or mountain often having large casims or sharp intentations. People (and fictional characters) * Craig (surname) * Craig (given name) Places Scotland * Craig, Angus, aka Barony ...

(born 1977), Australian sailor (RAN), RDA comedian of the year 2019, 2020, 2021 * Conrad Roy (1995–2014), American marine salvage captain whose suicide resulted in the manslaughter conviction of his girlfriend *

Debashree Roy Debashree Roy (born 8 August 1962), also known as Debasree Roy, is an Indian actress, dancer, choreographer, politician and animal rights activist. As an actress, she is known for her work in Hindi and Bengali cinema. She has been cited as the ...

(born 1961), Indian Bengali actress *

Deep Roy Gurdeep Roy (born Mohinder Purba; 1 December 1957), known professionally as Deep Roy, is a Kenyan-British actor, puppeteer, and stuntman. At tall, he has often been cast as diminutive characters, such as Teeny Weeny in ''The NeverEnding Story' ...

(born 1957), Kenyan-born Indian actor *

Derek Roy Derek Leonard Roy (born May 4, 1983) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Buffalo Sabres, Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, Nashville Predators and the Edmont ...

(born 1983), Canadian ice hockey player *

Derek Roy (comedian) Derek Roy (25 August 1922 – 15 March 1981) was an English comedian, whose public profile was at its greatest in the late 1940s and early 1950s. His BBC Radio show, ''Hip Hip Hoo Roy'', was written by amongst others Spike Milligan, and was th ...

(1922–1981), English comedian *

Dolon Roy Dolon Roy (also spelt as ''Dolon Ray'') is a Bengali actress, based in Kolkata, India. Early life She was born in Kolkata to Dilip and Dipika Roy. Roy graduated from the Charuchandra College and subsequently earned a postgraduate degree in sc ...

(born 1970), Indian Bengali actress *

Drew Roy Andrew "Drew" Roy (born May 16, 1986) is an American actor. Roy was born and raised in Clanton, Alabama. but moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. He is best known for his role in '' Falling Skies''. Career Roy started his acting ca ...

(born 1986), American actor * Eric Roy (footballer) (born 1967), French footballer *

Eric Roy (politician) Eric Wilbur Roy (born 27 June 1948) is a New Zealand politician. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for the National Party. He was first elected in 1993 and served, with one three-year break, until 2014. Early years Roy was born in Gore in ...

(born 1948), New Zealand politician *

Fabien Roy Fabien Roy (born April 17, 1928) is a former Canadian politician who was active in Quebec in the 1970s. Roy was elected to the National Assembly of Quebec and the House of Commons of Canada, and advocated social credit theories of monetary re ...

(born 1928), Canadian politician *

Falguni Roy Falguni Roy (; 1945–1981) was an anti-establishment Bengali poet born in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Along with Shakti Chattopadhyay, Malay Roy Choudhury, Samir Roychoudhury, Subimal Basak, Debi Roy (Haradhon Dhara), Utpal Kumar Basu, Binoy ...

(1945–1981), Indian Bengali poet *

Gabrielle Roy Gabrielle Roy (March 22, 1909July 13, 1983) was a Canadian author from St. Boniface, Manitoba and one of the major figures in French Canadian literature. Early life Roy was born in 1909 in Saint-Boniface (now part of Winnipeg), Manitoba, and ...

(1909–1983), Canadian author *

Helen Roy Helen Elizabeth Roy, (born 6 November 1969) is a British ecologist, entomologist, and academic, specialising in aphids and non-native species. Since 2007, she has been a principal scientist and ecologist at the NERC's Centre for Ecology & H ...

(born 1969), British ecologist, entomologist and academic *

Indra Lal Roy Indra Lal Roy (), (2 December 1898 – 22 July 1918) was the sole Indian World War I flying ace. While serving in the Royal Flying Corps and its successor, the Royal Air Force, he claimed ten aerial victories; five aircraft destroyed (one sha ...

(1898–1918), Indian Bengali First World War flying ace *

Jahor Roy Jahar Roy (19 September 1919 – 1 August 1977) was an Indian actor and comedian in Bengali cinema. He was known for his comedy films with Bhanu Bandyopadhyay. Early life Roy came from a Bengali Baidya family having its root in Mahilara, ...

(1919–1977), Indian Bengali actor and comedian *

James Roy (politician) James Alexander McLean Roy (3 March 1893 – 26 May 1971) was a New Zealand politician of the National Party. Biography He was born and educated in Wairuna near Clinton. He farmed on his father's farm in Wairuna, and his own farm in ...

(1893–1971), New Zealand politician *

James Roy (writer) James Roy (born in Trundle, New South Wales, 1968) is an Australian writer. He writes primarily for young adults and children, and in addition to his native Australia, his books are published in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, ...

(born 1968), Australian writer * James A. Roy (born 1964), US Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force *

Jason Roy Jason Jonathan Roy (born 21 July 1990) is an English cricketer who plays for England in One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket, and previously played for the Test team. In domestic cricket, he represents Surre ...

(born 1990), English cricketer *

Jeffrey Roy Jeffrey N. Roy is a State Representative in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Massachusetts General Court. Roy represents the 10th Norfolk District, which includes the Town of Franklin, Massachusetts in its entirety, and Precincts 2, 3, and 4 ...

(born 1961), American politician and lawyer *

Jean Sebastien Roy Jean Sebastien Roy, also known as JSR, is a Canadian professional motocross rider and has won five CMRC Canadian National Motocrass Championships dating from 2001-2005. He was born and raised in Acton Vale, Quebec. Roy competed in the USA as a ...

, Canadian motocross rider who enjoyed success in the 2000s * Jean-Yves Roy (born 1949), Canadian politician *

Juthika Roy Juthika Roy (20 April 1920
firstpost.com; retrieved 7 February 2014. – 5 Februar ...

(1920–2014), Indian Bengali singer *

Kalidas Roy Kalidas Roy (1889–1975) was a poet of the Tagore era of Bengali literature and a teacher. He was born in Karui village of Bardhaman (now Purba Bardhaman district) at West Bengal in a Vaidya (Baidya) family and was from the family lineage of th ...

(1889–1975), Indian Bengali poet *

Kanu Roy Kanu Roy (1912-1981) was an Indian actor and music composer in Hindi and Bengali films. He gave music for most of Basu Bhattacharya's films. His most famous compositions are for Geeta Dutt, such as ''Aaj ki Kaalighata'' and '' Uski Kahani'' (1 ...

(1912–1981), Indian Bengali film actor, and music composer *

Leela Roy Leela Roy (2 October 1900 – 11 June 1970), was a radical leftist Indian woman politician and reformer, and a close associate of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. She was born in Goalpara, Assam to Girish Chandra Naag, who was a deputy magistrate, ...

(1900–1970), Indian Bengali independence activist and social reformer *

Leo Roy Leo "Kid" Roy (1904 – 4 October 1955 (aged 51)) born in Lowell, Massachusetts, United States was an American/Canadian professional feather/lightweight boxer of the 1920s and 1930s who won the Canadian featherweight title, Canadian lightweight ...

(1904–1955), American/Canadian boxer *

M. N. Roy Manabendra Nath Roy (born Narendra Nath Bhattacharya, better known as M. N. Roy; 21 March 1887 – 25 January 1954) was an Indian revolutionary, radical activist and political theorist, as well as a noted philosopher in the 20th century. Roy ...

(1887–1954), Indian Bengali philosopher and revolutionary *

Mathieu Roy (ice hockey, born 1983) Mathieu Roy (born August 10, 1983) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently under contract with Ligue Magnus (FRA) outfit, Dragons de Rouen. Playing career Roy was drafted in the seventh round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draf ...

, Canadian ice hockey player *

Mathieu Roy (ice hockey, born 1986) Mathieu R. Roy (born November 14, 1986) is a Canadian professional ice hockey wing. He is currently signed to ECHL side Norfolk Admirals. He was most recently under contract with the Glasgow Clan of the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL). Playing car ...

, Canadian ice hockey player * Matt Roy (born 1995), American ice hockey player *

Mouni Roy Mouni Roy (born 28 September 1985) is an Indian actress who primarily works in Hindi films and Hindi television. She made her acting debut with ''Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi'' (2006). Roy became one of the highest-paid Hindi television act ...

(born 1985), Indian actress *

Nirmal Roy Nirmal Roy (in Urdu نرمل رائے) (born August 6, 1996) is a Pakistani singer. Born in Lahore, she started her career at the age of twelve. Roy has performed and won many music competitions on national level, including the '' Voice of Kinnai ...

(born 1996), Pakistani singer *

Nirupa Roy Nirupa Roy (born Kokila Kishorechandra Bulsara; 4 January 1931 – 13 October 2004) was an Indian actress who had appeared in Hindi films. Noted for her portrayals of tragedy and sorrow, Roy was known for her acting ability, and was uncharitab ...

(1931–2004), Indian Gujarati actress *

Patrick Roy Patrick Jacques Roy (; born October 5, 1965) is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey goaltender and executive, who serves as the head coach for the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). In 2017, Roy was named o ...

(born 1965), Canadian ice hockey head coach and former goaltender *

Peter Roy Peter Roy (February 23, 1828 – June 21, 1881) was an American farmer and politician. Roy was born in Rainy Lake, Koochiching County, Minnesota and was of French and Ojibwe descent. He went to school in La Pointe, Wisconsin, was a farmer, and ...

(1828-1881), American farmer and politician *

Prannoy Roy Prannoy Lal Roy (born 15 October 1949) is an Indian economist, chartered accountant, psephologist, journalist and author. He is the former executive co-chairperson of NDTV and is considered to be one of its co-founders, along with his wife R ...

(born 1949), Indian Bengali journalist and media personality *

Prasanna Kumar Roy Prasanna Kumar Roy (1849 – 1932; better known as Dr. P. K. Roy) was an educationist and the first Indian principal of Presidency College, Kolkata. Early life The son of Shyam Sundar Ray, he belonged to a family originated from Subhaddya in Ke ...

(1849–1932), Indian Bengali educationist *

Rachel Roy Rachel Irene Roy (born January 15, 1974) is an American fashion designer. Early life and education Roy was born in San Bernardino County, California, and raised in Seaside, California, as a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She grad ...

(born 1974), American fashion designer *

Ram Mohan Roy Raja Ram Mohan Roy ( bn, রামমোহন রায়; 22 May 1772 – 27 September 1833) was an Indian reformer who was one of the founders of the Brahmo Sabha in 1828, the precursor of the Brahmo Samaj, a social-religious reform ...

(1772–1833), Indian Bengali religious, social and educational reformer *

Rahul Roy Rahul Roy (born 9 February 1968) is an Indian actor, producer and former model known for his works in Hindi films and television. Roy began his acting career with the 1990 blockbuster '' Aashiqui'', a Mahesh Bhatt production as the lead actor ...

(born 1966), Indian film actor *

Rohit Roy Rohit Bose Roy (born 5 April 1969) is an Indian television and film actor. He is known for his role in Hindi television serials such as '' Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand'' and ''Swabhimaan''. Besides working in television series, Roy has also ac ...

(born 1968), Indian actor *

Ronit Roy Ronit Bose Roy (born 11 October 1965) is an Indian actor, known for his works primarily in Hindi television and films alongside Tamil and Telugu cinema. Roy has earned numerous accolades in his career including a Filmfare Award, two Screen Awa ...

(born 1965), Indian actor * Sarat Chandra Roy (1871–1942), Indian Bengali anthropologist *

Satabdi Roy Satabdi Roy ()(born 5 October 1969) is an Indian actress, film director and politician. As an actress she is known for her work in Bengali cinema. She is the recipient of BFJA Awards for two times. As an actress, she ruled the array of commerc ...

(born 1968), Indian Bengali actress * Shasanka Mohan Roy (born 1941), Indian quantum physicist *

Shehzad Roy Shehzad Roy (born 16 February 1977) is a Pakistani singer-songwriter, guitarist, activist, social worker and humanitarian. He started his singing career in 1995 and has recorded six albums since. He has recorded many hit songs such as "Saali," ...

(born 1979), Pakistani pop singer and social worker * Subrata Roy (born 1948), Indian Bengali businessman * Subimal Chandra Roy (1912–1971), Indian Bengali jurist * Subodh Roy (1916–2006), Indian Bengali independence activist * Sylvie Roy (1964–2016), Canadian politician * Tarapada Roy (1936–2007), Indian Bengali author *

William Roy Major-General William Roy (4 May 17261 July 1790) was a Scottish military engineer, surveyor, and antiquarian. He was an innovator who applied new scientific discoveries and newly emerging technologies to the accurate geodetic mapping of ...

(1726–1790), Scottish surveyor

Fictional characters

Esme & Roy ''Esme & Roy'' is an animated children's television series created by Dustin Ferrer and Amy Steinberg. The series is produced by Canada-based animation studio Nelvana and ''Sesame Street'' creator Sesame Workshop, in association with Corus Ente ...

's eponymous monster *

Kiriti Roy Kiriti Roy is a fictional detective of Bengali literature created by Dr. Nihar Ranjan Gupta. The first story introduces him as follows: "Kiriti Roy is six and a half feet tall, fair and stout. His curled hair is mostly combed back, and the black ...

, a Bengali fictional detective created by Nihar Ranjan Gupta * Philly Boy Roy, from the radio show and podcast ''

The Best Show with Tom Scharpling ''The Best Show with Tom Scharpling'' (formerly ''The Best Show on WFMU'') is a combination music, call-in, and comedy Internet radio show/podcast hosted independently by Tom Scharpling since 2014, which previously aired on New Jersey-based radi ...

'' * Roy (''Fire Emblem''), from Nintendo's ''Fire Emblem'' and ''Super Smash Bros.'' video game series * Roy (''Little Britain''), from the British sketch show ''Little Britain'' * Roy, a minor character from the ''

Peanuts ''Peanuts'' is a syndicated daily and Sunday American comic strip written and illustrated by Charles M. Schulz. The strip's original run extended from 1950 to 2000, continuing in reruns afterward. ''Peanuts'' is among the most popular and infl ...

'' comic strip * Roy Biggins, a major character from ''

Wings (1990 TV series) ''Wings'' is an American sitcom television series that ran for eight seasons on NBC from April 19, 1990, to May 21, 1997 for a total of 172 episodes. The show is set at the fictional "Tom Nevers Field" airport, a small two-airline airport in N ...

'' * Roy Anderson (''The Office''), from ''The Office'' U.S. TV series *

Roy Batty ''Blade Runner'' is a 1982 American neo-noir science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott, which stars Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, and Edward James Olmos. Written by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples, the film is an adaptation of ...

, the leader of the renegade replicants in the film, ''Blade Runner'' * Roy G. Bivolo, DC Comics supervillain known as Rainbow Raider * Roy Carson, from the American movie, '' Final Destination 5'' *

Roy Cropper Roy Cropper is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by David Neilson. He first appeared on-screen on 19 July 1995. Originally a secondary character, he was given a more prominent role in 1997, by ...

, from the British soap opera, ''Coronation Street'' * Roy Earle, from the game ''

L.A. Noire ''L.A. Noire'' is a 2011 action-adventure video game developed by Team Bondi and published by Rockstar Games. Set in 1947 Los Angeles, the game follows detective Cole Phelps's rise among the ranks of the Los Angeles Police Department as he so ...

'' * Roy Greenhilt, from the webcomic, ''Order of the Stick'' * Roy Gribbleston, Yellow Guy's father from ''

Don't Hug Me I'm Scared ''Don't Hug Me I'm Scared'' (often abbreviated as ''DHMIS'') is a British web and television series created by Becky Sloan, Joe Pelling, and Baker Terry. The series is notable for its blending of surreal comedy and black comedy with psychologica ...

'' *

Roy Harper (comics) Roy Harper is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Roy is one of DC's most longstanding characters, originating in 1940s comics as Speedy (DC Comics), Speedy, the teen sidekick of the superhero Green Arrow. Like h ...

, a superhero in the DC Comics universe * Roy Hobbs, protagonist of the Bernard Malamud novel ''

The Natural ''The Natural'' is a 1952 novel about baseball by Bernard Malamud, and is his debut novel. The story follows Roy Hobbs, a baseball prodigy whose career is sidetracked after being shot by a woman whose motivation remains mysterious. The story mo ...

'' and ''The Natural'' (film) * Roy "Jawjack" Kelton, a character from the 1988 movie '' 14 Going on 30'' * Roy Kent, from the streaming television series ''

Ted Lasso ''Ted Lasso'' is an American sports comedy-drama television series developed by Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt, and Joe Kelly. It is based on a character of the same name that Sudeikis first portrayed in a series of promos for NB ...

'' * Roy Koopa, one of the

Koopalings The (also known as in Japan and Europe or in Japan) are a fictional group of seven childlike characters in the ''Mario'' video game franchise by Nintendo. Their individual names are Larry Koopa, Morton Koopa Jr., Wendy O. Koopa, Iggy Koopa, ...

from ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' * Roy Miller, protagonist from the 2010 film ''

Green Zone (film) ''Green Zone'' is a 2010 action thriller film directed by Paul Greengrass. The storyline was conceived from a screenplay written by Brian Helgeland, based on a 2006 non-fiction book '' Imperial Life in the Emerald City'' by journalist Rajiv Chand ...

'' * Roy Miller, protagonist from the 2010 film ''

Knight and Day ''Knight and Day'' is a 2010 American satirical action comedy film directed by James Mangold and starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. The film was the second on-screen collaboration of Cruise and Diaz, following the 2001 film ''Vanilla Sky''. ...

'' *

Roy Mustang is a fictional character from the ''Fullmetal Alchemist'' manga series and its adaptations created by Hiromu Arakawa. In the series, Mustang is a State Alchemist of Amestris' State Military, as well as the superior of the series' protagonist, Edw ...

, from the ''Fullmetal Alchemist'' manga series * Roy Neary, protagonist from the film ''Close Encounters of the Third Kind'' played by Richard Dreyfuss * Roy O'Brien, eponymous animated protagonist of the TV series ''

Roy Roy is a masculine given name and a family surname with varied origin. In Anglo-Norman England, the name derived from the Norman ''roy'', meaning "king", while its Old French cognate, ''rey'' or ''roy'' (modern ''roi''), likewise gave rise to ...

'' * Roy Race, from the comic strip ''Roy of the Rovers'' * Roy Rooster, in the comic strip '' U.S. Acres'' * Roy Trenneman, from the British sitcom ''The IT Crowd'' * The Roy family, from the American television series ''Succession'' * Roy Raskin, one of the main characters in '' The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder''

References

{{given name, type=both Norman-language surnames Surnames of Norman origin English-language surnames French-language surnames Scottish masculine given names Indian surnames Bengali Hindu surnames Surnames of French-Canadian origin

Given name

Surname

Fictional characters

See also

References