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Last Name Troy

What is the origin of the last name Troy?

The last name "Troy" most likely has origins in Ireland. It is derived from the Irish name "Ó Troighthigh," which means "descendant of Troightheach." The name Troightheach itself is believed to be derived from an Irish word meaning "foot soldier" or "infantryman." Over time, the name "Ó Troighthigh" underwent anglicization and became "Troy."

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Troy

Looking at the ethnic identity of individuals named Troy according to the Decennial U.S. Census, the majority self-identify as White, which decreased slightly from 79.84% in 2000 to 78.11% in 2010. Those who identify as Black also hold a significant percentage, showing a slight increase from 15.16% to 15.29% over this period. Individuals identifying as Hispanic saw the most substantial growth, increasing by 86.81%, albeit from a small base of 1.44% to 2.69%. Those who identify as being of two or more races also experienced an increase of 32.16%. In contrast, those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian and Alaskan Native both saw decreases of 10% and 12.73%, respectively.

20002010Change
White79.84%78.11%-2.17%
Black15.16%15.29%0.86%
Hispanic1.44%2.69%86.81%
Two or More Races1.71%2.26%32.16%
Asian/Pacific Islander1.3%1.17%-10%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0.55%0.48%-12.73%

Troy ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Troy is British & Irish, which comprises 44.3% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (18.0%) and Ashkenazi Jewish (11.6%). Additional ancestries include Eastern European, Italian, Nigerian, Scandinavian, and Spanish & Portuguese.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWNCOMPOSITION
British & Irish44.3%
French & German18.0%
Ashkenazi Jewish11.6%
Other26.0%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Maternal Haplo Image

Learn more about the origin of the last name Troy

The meaning and origin of the last name Troy

The surname Troy has its origins in the ancient city of Troy, which was located in what is now modern-day Turkey. It is derived from the Greek name "Troias," meaning "belonging to Troy." The city of Troy gained fame through the epic poems of Homer, particularly the Iliad, which recounts the mythical Trojan War. The surname Troy is part of a larger group of surnames related to the ancient city, such as Troia, Troyan, and Troynov, among others. Over time, people with the surname Troy spread across different regions, including Europe and the United States, often through migration and various historical events. Today, individuals with the surname Troy might be descendants of individuals who hailed from the ancient city or may have adopted the surname due to other reasons, such as personal or family connections to the name or an appreciation for its historical significance.

Geographical distribution of the last name Troy

The last name "Troy" is relatively common and has a significant geographical distribution across various parts of the world. In terms of its origin, the name "Troy" has strong ties to Ireland, with many individuals of Irish descent bearing this surname. Consequently, it is not surprising to find a notable concentration of people with the last name "Troy" in Ireland and other English-speaking countries with significant Irish immigrant populations, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Additionally, the name is also present in various European countries, including France, Italy, and Spain, likely due to historical migration or colonial influences. In recent years, global migration trends have further spread the name "Troy" to other parts of the world, including South America, Africa, and Asia. As a result, it is safe to say that "Troy" is a name with a diverse geographical distribution, spanning across multiple continents.

Variants and spellings of the last name Troy

The last name "Troy" can have variations and alternate spellings. Variations include "Troi," "Troie," "Trohy," and "Troye." These variations may have emerged due to regional dialects, immigration, or transliteration. In different countries and languages, the name can be spelled differently. For instance, in the French language, it would be written as "Troie." Similarly, in Italian, it could be spelled as "Troja," reflecting the language's phonetic structure. Additionally, alternate spellings like "Troi" may have developed over time due to personal preference or clerical errors. It is not uncommon for surnames to have multiple spellings, as names historically evolved through oral tradition and were inconsistently documented. With globalization and increased migration, the name "Troy" might have taken on additional variations, depending on the cultural background and linguistic context of its bearers.

Famous people with the last name Troy

Although the last name "Troy" does not have a long list of famous individuals associated with it, there are a few notable figures who have carried this surname. One prominent personality with the last name Troy is Doris Troy, an American soul singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1960s. She is best known for her hit song "Just One Look," which gained immense popularity and established her as an influential artist in the music industry. Additionally, there is Barbara Troy, an accomplished American artist and painter recognized for her vibrant and whimsical style. Known for her unique use of color and intricate brushwork, Barbara's artworks have been showcased in galleries across the United States, earning her admiration from art enthusiasts. While the name Troy may not have an extensive list of famous individuals, Doris Troy and Barbara Troy have undoubtedly left their mark on music and art, respectively.

Genealogical research on the last name Troy

The last name Troy has roots in Ireland and is derived from the ancient Irish Gaelic name "O'Troighthigh," meaning descendant of Troightheach. The name originates from the clan located in the province of Connacht, specifically around the area of County Mayo. The Troy family can be traced back to the 12th century, where they held a prominent position in Irish society as warriors and landowners. Over time, some branches of the Troy clan migrated to other parts of Ireland, including counties Galway and Limerick. In the 19th century, due to various factors such as the Great Famine and economic hardships, many members of the Troy family emigrated from Ireland to different parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Today, the surname Troy is still found in these countries, with descendants often proud of their Irish heritage and the historical significance of their family name.

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