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.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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 Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Perceval Rose
Floral · soft ending
Perceval Mae
Sweet · timeless
Perceval Claire
French influence · crisp
Perceval Jane
Literary · strong
Perceval Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Perceval right now?
Stable — currently #13622 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2019 | #13622 | 5 | — |
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?
What names sound and feel like Perceval?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Perceval also consider these
How is Perceval written in other languages?
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 P ER0 S EY0 V AE1 L. 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.