Joice

Joice is a proper noun used as a given name, a surname, and, less commonly, a place name in various regions. In English-language contexts it is most often a feminine given name and is frequently treated as a variant of Joyce, though its spelling has its own distinct usage in some communities.

The name's origins are tied to the medieval given name Joyce, with Joice appearing in English records as an alternative spelling. Over time it has been adopted in different places and cultures, and contemporary usage remains relatively uncommon compared with more widely used variants.

Notable uses: One well-documented historical bearer is Joice Heth, an enslaved woman who was exhibited as a curiosity in the United States during the 1830s by showman P. T. Barnum. In modern times Joice continues to be used sporadically as a feminine given name, and it may occur as a surname in some families.

Geographic and cultural uses: The spelling Joice appears in various toponyms and place-name elements in English-speaking regions, though specific instances are localized and not widespread. In fiction and media, characters named Joice appear less frequently but reflect the name's occasional use in storytelling.

See also: Joyce; related spellings and variants in different languages.