Joy \joy\ as a girl's name is pronounced joy. It is of Old French and Latin origin, and the meaning of Joy is "joy". Used in the Middle Ages, and made popular in the 17th century under the influence of the Puritans, to whom being "joyful in the Lord" was an important duty. In modern times, it generally signifies the parents' joy in their new-born child, or with the intention of wishing her a happy life. Joya and Joie (zhoh-EE, z'wah) are French.
Joy has 14 variant forms: Gioia, Gioya, Jioia, jioya, Joi, Joia, Joice, Joie, Joya, Joyann, Joyanna, Joyanne, Joye and Joyelle.