The name "Joyce" is of English origin and is derived from the medieval personal name "Josse" or "Jocelyn," which was taken from the Germanic name "Gautselin" or "Gozelin."

The name "Josse" or "Jocelyn" was originally a nickname given to someone who was of a jovial or happy disposition. Over time, this nickname became a surname and eventually evolved into the given name "Joyce."

In medieval times, the name "Joyce" was more commonly used as a male name, but it later became a unisex name and is now more commonly given to females. It gained popularity as a female name mainly after the publication of the novel "Ulysses" by James Joyce, an Irish writer, in 1922.

Overall, the name "Joyce" is associated with joy, happiness, and a cheerful personality.