Last Name Troy

The surname Troy is of Greek origin. In Greek mythology, Troy was the city that was the focus of the Trojan War, a conflict between the Greeks and the city of Troy as told in Homer's epic poem, the Iliad. The name "Troy" likely comes from the city itself, which was known as "Ilios" in Greek. Over time, it has been adopted as a surname by individuals of Greek descent, and has since become a common surname in various parts of Europe.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Troy

The meaning and origin of the last name Troy

The surname Troy is an anglicized form of several different European names, primarily derived from the ancient city of Troy in present-day Turkey. In Old French, it was known as "Troie," and over time, this evolved into various forms in different languages, such as Trôi in French, Troye in Norman French, and Troia in Portuguese. The name was also brought to England by the Normans following their conquest of 1066, where it was anglicized to 'Troy.'

The use of Troy as a surname can be traced back to medieval times, often given to someone who had some connection with the ancient city or its culture. It has since become widespread across the English-speaking world and is also common in France and other regions with Norman ancestry. Notable individuals bearing the name include American filmmaker George Stevens Troy and Australian actor Troye Sivan Mellet, among others. The versatility of this surname reflects its rich history and cultural significance.

Geographical distribution of the last name Troy

The surname Troy is predominantly found in regions with historical ties to Ancient Troy, located in present-day Turkey. However, it has also been dispersed through migration and colonization over centuries. In Europe, significant concentrations can be found in France, particularly in the region of Brittany, where the name is believed to have originated as a Norman or Breton name. Additionally, the Troy family name is common in England, Scotland, and Ireland due to Viking and Norman invasions. In North America, the last name Troy can be found among early French colonists in Canada and later English settlers in the United States, particularly in New England and areas settled by Scots-Irish immigrants. The distribution of the surname Troy also extends to Australia, South Africa, and other former British colonies due to 19th-century migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Troy

The surname Troy has multiple variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some common spelling variations include Troi, de Troie, du Troi, Troia, Troje, De Troja, Del Troio, Troiano, Trojanski, Trójski, Trøy, Troye, and Trøj. These variants may arise due to linguistic influences such as the French "de," Italian "di" or "del," Polish "del," and Norwegian "de." It's essential to note that the variations do not necessarily indicate separate family lines but rather differences in how the name was written down over the centuries.

Famous people with the last name Troy

Notable individuals with the surname Troy include Malcolm Troy, an American actor known for his roles in TV series such as "The Wire" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent". Another well-known figure is Robert Troy, an Irish politician who served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Longford from 1977 to 2016. In the world of sports, Willie Troy was a professional American football player who played as a fullback for the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants. Lastly, Ava Troy, born in Ireland, is a model and beauty pageant titleholder who won Miss World Ireland 2018 and represented Ireland at the Miss World 2018 pageant. These individuals represent diverse fields of entertainment, politics, and sports, demonstrating the versatility of the Troy surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Troy

The surname Troy is of Celtic origin and is believed to have been derived from the Old French word "troie," meaning "village" or "settlement." Historically, it was primarily found in Brittany, France. From there, it spread to other regions during the Middle Ages with the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The Troy family name is known to have branches in various parts of Europe, including Ireland and Scotland, where they were often associated with high status due to their Celtic roots. In Scotland, some members of the Troy clan took part in the Jacobite Rebellion in the 18th century. In America, the name was brought over by early settlers, with notable instances found in Massachusetts, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, where they played significant roles in shaping the social, economic, and political landscape. The Troy surname has a rich history dating back to ancient times, reflecting its widespread dissemination and enduring legacy.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Troy"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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