The name Troy is of Greek origin and is derived from the city of Troy, which was famously besieged by the Greeks in the Trojan War. In ancient mythology, Troy was a powerful kingdom ruled by King Priam. The city's most notable resident was Prince Paris, who abducted Helen, wife of King Menelaus of Sparta, sparking the Trojan War.
The name Troy itself does not have a specific meaning or translation. However, it is often associated with the epic tale of the Trojan War and its heroes such as Achilles, Hector, and Odysseus. Throughout history, the name Troy has been used in various forms, including Troilus, Troian, and Tristram.
In literature, the name Troy has appeared prominently in works like "Troy" by Colleen McCullough, which is a retelling of the Iliad from the perspective of the Trojan royal family. Additionally, the name Troy appears as a character in William Shakespeare's play "Troilus and Cressida," another tale inspired by the Trojan War.
Today, Troy continues to be used as a given name for boys, often chosen for its strong historical and mythological associations. It is also sometimes used as a surname, reflecting its origins as an occupational name for someone who lived near or came from the city of Troy. Despite its historical roots, the name Troy has maintained its popularity in modern times due to its appealing sound and its association with powerful and heroic figures throughout history.
The name Troy experienced a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years, with a notable peak in recent times. From just 8 births recorded in 1880, its usage grew steadily, reaching an all-time high of 961 births in 1959. However, it began to decline afterward, dropping to as low as 212 births in 2023. Despite the fluctuations, Troy has consistently been a popular name since the early 1900s, with over 215,000 total births recorded between 1880 and 2023.