Log in · Sign up

Percy Boy

Popularity: #767 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationPUR-see / /ˈpɜrsi/

Latin; Greek

Meaning

Latin: 'pierce'; Greek: 'the one who is strong'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Percy has its roots in the Old French name "Perci" or "Percy," which is derived from the Latin "Percinus," a diminutive of the name "Percival." The etymology can be traced further back to the Gaulish word "percus," meaning "to pierce," which reflects a connection to the historical region of Perche in Normandy, France. The name was introduced into England following the Norman Conquest of 1066, where it became associated with the noble family of Percy, who played a significant role in English history during the medieval period.

Historically, the name Percy is notably linked to the Percy family, particularly during the 14th and 15th centuries. The family gained prominence through figures such as Henry Percy, known as Hotspur, who was a key player in the conflicts of the Wars of the Roses. The name also appears in literary works, most famously in Shakespeare's play "Henry IV," where Hotspur is portrayed as a valiant and ambitious character. Additionally, the name Percy is associated with the legendary knight Percival from Arthurian legend, who is often depicted as a seeker of the Holy Grail, further enriching the name's historical significance.

Culturally, the name Percy has resonated through various forms of literature and art, symbolizing chivalry and nobility. Its association with the ideals of knighthood and valor has contributed to its enduring presence in English-speaking cultures. The diminutive form "Percy" has also been affectionately used in various contexts, although its historical roots remain firmly established in the legacy of the Percy family and the chivalric traditions of medieval Europe. Overall, the name Percy embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution, historical milestones, and cultural significance.

Trend Summary

The name Percy has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, particularly in the United States.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Perce
  • Percival

International Variants

  • Percy (English)
  • Perci (Italian)
  • Perse (French)

Famous people named Percy

Percy Bysshe Shelley is a poet best known for Ozymandias, Prometheus Unbound, and Adonaïs.

Percy Faith is a composer and conductor best known for Theme from A Summer Place, The Song from Moulin Rouge, and The Merry Widow Waltz.

Percy Harvin is a former American football wide receiver best known for his time with the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and New York Jets.

Percy Sledge is a singer best known for When a Man Loves a Woman, Take Time to Know Her, and It Tears Me Up.

Fictional characters named Percy

Percy Jackson is a fictional character from the book series Percy Jackson & The Olympians. He is a demigod and the son of Poseidon, who embarks on quests to save the world from various mythological threats.

Percy Blakeney is a fictional character from the novel The Scarlet Pimpernel. He is a British aristocrat who leads a double life as a daring hero rescuing French aristocrats from the guillotine during the Reign of Terror.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Percy was first seen in the United States in 1880. Percy has ranked as high as #453 nationally, which occurred in 1921, and has been most popular in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, North Carolina, and Virginia. In the past 5 years the name Percy has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Percy (2024)

StateBirthsShare
FL 11
13%
TN 10
11%
CA 10
11%
TX 9
10%
NY 7
8%
GA 7
8%
PA 6
7%
UT 6
7%
WA 6
7%
IN 6
7%
VA 5
6%
IL 5
6%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188094
188195
1882126
188387
1884126
188598
1886122
1887123
1888151
1889144
1890140
1891131
1892149
1893177
1894173
1895164
1896157
1897183
1898155
1899142
1900201
1901120
1902167
1903124
1904125
1905169
1906141
1907160
1908151
1909159
1910195
1911184
1912337
1913356
1914449
1915488
1916524
1917515
1918567
1919595
1920601
1921603
1922599
1923540
1924560
1925544
1926493
1927519
1928483
1929497
1930429
1931415
1932430
1933399
1934377
1935385
1936360
1937356
1938349
1939360
1940328
1941339
1942381
1943393
1944350
1945343
1946343
1947412
1948411
1949397
1950411
1951424
1952443
1953376
1954363
1955309
1956319
1957348
1958280
1959264
1960270
1961246
1962250
1963235
1964208
1965193
1966195
1967178
1968181
1969202
1970175
1971187
1972177
1973169
1974147
1975143
1976138
1977137
1978146
1979119
1980124
1981130
1982114
1983105
198498
198597
198691
198773
1988107
198998
1990102
199188
199295
199371
199475
199565
199661
199762
199861
199956
200052
200159
200246
200347
200460
200545
200651
200757
200837
200938
201041
201139
201260
201361
201470
201558
201647
201773
201863
201945
202069
202187
2022112
2023112
2024157