Leroy
Leroy is a boy's name of French origin.
Meaning
The king.
Origin and history
Leroy is derived from the French phrase 'le roi', meaning 'the king'. Originally introduced to Britain as a surname after the Norman Conquest, it eventually transitioned into a traditional masculine given name in the English-speaking world. Though its peak popularity in the United States was during the early to mid-20th century, it remains a recognized classic name.
Popularity in the United States
200,981 babies in the United States have been named Leroy since 1880. It ranks #184 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #828.
States where it is most popular
- PA (6.5 %)
- SC (5.6 %)
- TX (5.4 %)
- IL (5.3 %)
- NY (4.4 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 1,574 |
| 1890-1900 | 2,544 |
| 1900-1910 | 4,300 |
| 1910-1920 | 21,275 |
| 1920-1930 | 37,871 |
| 1930-1940 | 36,255 |
| 1940-1950 | 33,864 |
| 1950-1960 | 24,588 |
| 1960-1970 | 15,220 |
| 1970-1980 | 8,408 |
| 1980-1990 | 5,600 |
| 1990-2000 | 3,554 |
| 2000-2010 | 2,159 |
| 2010-2019 | 2,173 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,596 |
Famous people named Leroy
- Leroy Neiman: Artist, Painter
- Leroy Anderson: Composer, Conductor
- Leroy Kelly: Football Player
Nicknames
Lee, Roy
Fun facts
- Leroy originated as an Anglo-Norman French nickname or surname for someone who acted like a king or won the title in a local contest.
- Leroy was a top 100 boys' name in the United States for several decades in the early 20th century.