What does Percival mean and where does it come from?
The name Percival has its origins in Old French and is famously linked to the Arthurian legend of Percival, one of the Knights of the Round Table who sought the Holy Grail. The name was recorded in the 12th century and has various spellings including Perceval and Parsifal. It was particularly popula
Cultural significance
Percival has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pierce the veil.
Peak popularity
Reached #741 in 1886 — currently #2265 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Percival?
Percival works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Percival Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Percival Rose
Floral · soft ending
Percival Mae
Sweet · timeless
Percival Claire
French influence · crisp
Percival Jane
Literary · strong
Percival Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Percival right now?
Rising fast — up 375 spots — currently #2265 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2265 | 63 | ▲ up 375 · +24% births |
| 2022 | #2640 | 51 | ▲ up 122 · +11% births |
| 2021 | #2762 | 46 | ▼ down 89 |
| 2020 | #2673 | 46 | ▲ up 2833 · +188% births |
| 2015 | #5506 | 16 | ▲ up 5277 · +167% births |
| 2010 | #10783 | 6 | ▼ down 1649 |
| 2000 | #9134 | 6 | ▼ down 240 · +20% births |
| 1995 | #8894 | 5 | ▼ down 1689 · -17% births |
| 1990 | #7205 | 6 | ▼ down 1397 |
| 1985 | #5808 | 6 | ▼ down 250 |
| 1980 | #5558 | 6 | ▼ down 1593 · -25% births |
| 1975 | #3965 | 8 | ▼ down 105 · +14% births |
| 1970 | #3860 | 7 | ▼ down 1672 · -50% births |
| 1965 | #2188 | 14 | ▲ up 1498 · +133% births |
| 1960 | #3686 | 6 | — |
The story of Percival
Percival has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 1,099 total births recorded, Percival remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #792 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #2265 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Percival in 1886:
Percival by decade
Percival peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 57 | |
| 1890s | 43 | |
| 1900s | 45 | |
| 1910s | 107 | |
| 1920s | 137 | |
| 1930s | 55 | |
| 1940s | 44 | |
| 1950s | 74 | |
| 1960s | 76 | |
| 1970s | 87 | |
| 1980s | 75 | |
| 1990s | 62 | |
| 2000s | 36 | |
| 2010s ★ | 155 | |
| 2020s | 46 | |
💎With 1,099 total births, Percival is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Percival?
What names sound and feel like Percival?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Percival also consider these
How is Percival written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Percival
What does the name Percival mean?
Percival means "pierce the veil" — 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 Percival?
Percival is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Percival have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Percival?
Percival 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 Percival?
Percival is a three-syllable name pronounced P ER1 S IH0 V AH0 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 Percival?
Percival 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.