Log in · Sign up

Percival Boy

Popularity: #831 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationPUR-sih-vuhl / /ˈpɜːrsɪvəl/

Old French; Latin

Meaning

Old French: 'pierce the valley'; Latin: 'to pierce'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Percival has its roots in Old French, derived from the name Perceval, which itself comes from the Latin name Percivalis. The etymology can be traced further back to the Proto-Celtic elements "per" meaning "to pierce" and "cual" meaning "vale" or "to be strong." This suggests a literal interpretation of the name as "piercing the vale" or "one who pierces the valley." The name entered the English language during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, when it was introduced by the Normans who spoke Old French, thus integrating it into English culture and language.

Historically, Percival is most famously associated with Arthurian legend, particularly as one of the Knights of the Round Table. He is often depicted as a noble and pure-hearted knight, known for his quest for the Holy Grail. The earliest literary references to Percival appear in the works of Chrétien de Troyes in the late 12th century, specifically in his poem "Perceval, the Story of the Grail." This text laid the foundation for the character's development in subsequent medieval literature, including Sir Thomas Malory's "Le Morte d'Arthur" in the 15th century, which further solidified Percival's place in the Arthurian canon.

Culturally, Percival embodies themes of chivalry, purity, and the quest for spiritual enlightenment, resonating deeply within the medieval context of knighthood and heroism. His character has been interpreted as a symbol of the ideal knight, representing the virtues of bravery and loyalty. The name has also seen various diminutive forms, such as Percy, which have been used historically, although these forms are less prominent in the context of the name's traditional significance. Overall, Percival's enduring legacy in literature and culture highlights the importance of chivalric ideals and the quest for higher truths.

Trend Summary

The name Percival has seen fluctuating popularity, with a notable presence in historical contexts but less common in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Percy
  • Perceval

International Variants

  • Perceval (French)
  • Percival (English)
  • Parzival (German)

Famous people named Percival

Percival Lowell was an astronomer best known for his theories on Mars and the construction of the Lowell Observatory.

Percival P. Baxter was a philanthropist and conservationist best known for establishing Baxter State Park in Maine.

Fictional characters named Percival

Percival is a fictional character from Arthurian legend and various adaptations. He is one of the Knights of the Round Table, known for his quest for the Holy Grail.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Percival was first seen in the United States in 1880. Percival has ranked as high as #1267 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in Texas, California, New York, Washington, and Wisconsin. In the past 5 years the name Percival has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Percival (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 8
26%
WA 6
19%
WI 6
19%
MO 6
19%
TN 5
16%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18807
18817
18826
18835
18846
18857
18868
18885
18896
18905
18916
18929
18937
18948
18978
19007
19017
19028
19035
19045
19057
19086
191216
191311
191411
191511
191617
191713
191818
191910
192012
192122
192225
19239
192410
192510
192619
19277
192814
19299
19309
19319
19328
19338
19347
19356
19378
19415
19426
19436
19446
19468
19477
19496
19507
19515
19528
19535
19546
19558
19567
195712
19586
195910
19606
19618
19627
19636
196413
196514
19667
19687
19698
19707
197115
19729
197310
19746
19758
197610
197711
19785
19796
19806
19818
19825
198316
19848
19856
19867
19877
19886
19896
19906
19916
19926
19939
19946
19955
19966
19976
19985
19997
20006
20016
20045
20066
20078
20095
20106
201113
20129
20138
201416
201516
201612
201719
201819
201938
202046
202146
202251
202363
202493