| Meaning |
The son of Josse or Goce. Cognate in origin with joy and joyous. Rendered popular by St. Josse the hermit, who refused the sovereignty of Brittany. Nearly forgotten as it is, this name was parent of the diminutive Jocely, and thus secured immortality through its offspring. From rge first there was in England a choice of initials, G or J. If G, then the name was pronounced has as in 'gospel,' if J, soft as in 'gentile.' Thus it is that we have Gosling and Joscelyn in British directories, while both are the same name. The early entries of Josse or Goce are numerous, the diminutives at first being rare. The name became distinctly popular, and many diminnutives arose, Josselin and Gocelin being the chief. For instance, Goslin and Joslin. Gosset and Goslett added themselves to the list. The parent form Josse became Jocey, and through French influence Joyce and Joycey. The last was common in Durham and the Newcastle district. Joyce became a favourite girl's name, though some of the early instances may be masculine.
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