Perceval

“pierce the vale”
France origin · popularized by the stories of Perceval
♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls
#13622US 2019
5Births / yr
→Stable
5All-time births
📅 Since 201900
How to pronounce Perceval
per·say·VAL
/pɝ.seɪ.ˈvæl/ · stress on VAL · 3 syllables
“pierce the vale”
France origin · Boy name

What does Perceval mean and where does it come from?

Perceval is a name of Old French origin, derived from the name 'Perceval' or 'Percevale,' which historically refers to early Arthurian legends. The name was first popularized by the stories of Perceval, a knight of King Arthur's Round Table, particularly in the context of his quest for the Holy Grai

Cultural significance
Perceval has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pierce the vale.
Peak popularity
Reached #14021 in 2019 — currently #13622 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Perceval?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Perceval?

Perceval works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Perceval Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Perceval John
One syllable · timeless choice
Perceval Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Perceval Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Perceval Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Perceval Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Perceval
Browse ideas →

How popular is Perceval right now?

Stable — currently #13622 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2019–2019#13622 · Top 10%
2019
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2019#136225—

The story of Perceval

Perceval is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2019. With 5 total births recorded, Perceval remains relatively uncommon.

Names that peaked alongside Perceval in 2019:

💎Perceval has only 5 total recorded births since 2019 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Perceval?

ENGLISH
Percy
ARTHURIAN ROMANCE
Peredur
WELSH MYTHOLOGY
Peredur

Common questions about the name Perceval

What does the name Perceval mean?
Perceval means "pierce the vale" — a name rooted in France tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Perceval?
Perceval is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Perceval?
Perceval originates from France tradition. France names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Perceval?
Perceval is a three-syllable name pronounced per-say-VAL. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Perceval?
Perceval pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar France heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.