Where does the surname Joyce originate from?

Question:

Where does the surname Joyce originate from?

hi i was wondering if there are any other Joyce's and if any oe knows where it came from? thx

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Hey Samantha,

Origin: Irish

Spelling variations of this family name include: Joyce, Joyes, Joy, Joice and others.

First found in Glamorganshire where they were seated from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Jonathon Joyce settled in Virginia in 1635; along with Martin, Mary, Robert and Giles; John, David, Patrick, Pierce, Thomas, William Joyce all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.

There are 326 entries in the Family Search Site, you should check.

OMG - there are 3317 entries at Ellis Island site, wow, that is the most ever. Accounts at Family Search and Ellis Island are free, you need one at Ellis Island - but it is easy.