The name Roy has its origins in the Old French word "roi" meaning "king". It can be traced back to the 12th century in France, where it was used as a nickname or a shortened form of the French names derived from the word "roi", such as Leroy or Deroy.

The name gained popularity in England during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, when many French names were introduced to the region. It was initially used as a surname, but over time, it transitioned into being used as a given name as well.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Roy being used as a given name dates back to the 13th century in England. In 1285, a document from the Pipe Rolls of Cumberland mentions a person named Roy de Crofton.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Roy. One of the earliest was Roy le Fitz Piers, a 13th-century English nobleman and soldier who fought in the Barons' War against King Henry III.

In the realm of literature, Roy Cambell is a significant figure. He was a 16th-century Scottish poet and courtier who served under King James VI of Scotland. His works, such as "The Metaphysical Sonnets," are considered important contributions to Scottish Renaissance literature.

The name also has a strong association with the arts. Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997) was an influential American pop artist known for his iconic comic book-inspired paintings. His works, like "Whaam!" and "Drowning Girl," revolutionized the art world and made him a leading figure in the Pop Art movement.

In the field of science, Roy J. Glauber (1925-2018) was an American theoretical physicist who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2005 for his contributions to the quantum theory of optical coherence.

The name Roy has also been associated with political figures. Roy Wilkins (1901-1981) was a prominent American civil rights leader and activist who served as the executive director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 1955 to 1977. He played a crucial role in the American Civil Rights Movement and worked tirelessly to promote racial equality.