Percival

“pierce the veil”

France origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#2265US 2023

63Births / yr

↑Rising

1.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Percival

PER·siv·ul

/ˈpɝ.sɪv.əl/ · stress on PER · 3 syllables

“pierce the veil”

France origin · Boy name

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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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

How popular is Percival right now?

Rising fast — up 375 spots — currently #2265 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#2265 · Top 1.7%

1960

1965

1970

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2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Percival

Best Year1905Rank #1029

Peak Count63

Average Rank#4113

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202324 years

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:

John William James George Charles

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?

ENGLISH

Percy

ARTHURIAN ROMANCE

Peredur

WELSH MYTHOLOGY

Peredur

What names sound and feel like Percival?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Percival also consider these

Perceval

France · pierce the vale

Derival

French · A French name

Percel

France · little stone

American · A beloved name

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.