Boyce is a name of English origin, derived from the Old French word "bois," which means "of the woods" or "woodsman." It was originally used as a surname for people who lived near wooded areas or worked in forestry.
The name Boyce gained popularity during the Middle Ages in England, when it was commonly given to boys born into families with ties to the land or the forest. Over time, it became more widely used and eventually made its way across the Atlantic to North America, where it continues to be a popular choice for parents today.
While Boyce is most often found as a masculine name, there have been instances of it being used for girls in some cultures. However, it remains overwhelmingly associated with boys.
In terms of popularity, Boyce has never reached the heights of many other names but has maintained a steady presence throughout history. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, the name Boyce was given to fewer than 50 boys each year between 2000 and 2019.
Despite its relatively low frequency, Boyce has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history, including American actors Robert Boyce and Leslie Nielsen (who was born Leslie William Boyce), as well as British politician Richard Boyce, who served in the House of Commons from 1847 to 1852.
Overall, Boyce is a unique and historic name with a meaningful origin that has stood the test of time. It may not be as widely used as some other names, but it remains an appealing choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet grounded in tradition.
The name Boyce experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. Between 1885 and 1913, there were consistent years with at least five births annually, with a notable peak of 47 births in 1913. However, from 1914 onwards, the number of annual Boyce births began to decline, with some years showing significant drops. For instance, there was a substantial decrease between 1920 and 1921, from 69 to 83 births. The trend continued into the 1950s, with fewer than 100 births annually after 1949. From the 1960s onwards, the name Boyce became even less popular, with fewer than 50 births per year for most years until 2003, when it reached a low of seven births. In recent years, there has been a slight increase in popularity, with around 10-20 births annually since 2006. Overall, the total number of births with the name Boyce over the entire period is 5499.