The English and Irish surname Joyce is of patronymic origin being derived from the Breton personal name Iodoc, a diminutive of iudh meaning “lord,” introduced by the Normans in the form Josse. Iodoc was the name of a Breton prince and saint, the brother of Iudicael, whose fame helped to spread the name through France and western Europe. The name became popular in Ireland, where it was first introduced in 1283 by a Welshman, Thomas de Jorse, who married the daughter of O'Brien the Prince of Thomond. Notable bearers of the name include George Joyce (1620 - 1670), a parliamentarian officer who was sent by Oliver Cromwell, although subsequently denied, to seize the 'kings person' (Charles 1st in 1646) from Holmby House, in Northamptonshire. Subsequently Joyce was very active in promoting the King's trial and subsequent execution, and was rewarded with the Governorship of the Isle of Portland in 1650. He later fell out with both Cromwell and Charles 11, being exiled to Rotterdam.  James Joyce (1882 - 1944), who wrote "Dubliners", and his better known work, "Ulysses", found world-wide fame. 

                            

                                     JOYCE FAMILY CREST PENDANT