What does Percy mean and where does it come from?
Traditionally a masculine name, Percy is now also used for females in contemporary naming trends. Originally a French surname derived from the place name 'Percy', it incorporates the root of 'Pierre' meaning 'rock'. The name has literary associations, notably through personalities like Percy Bysshe
Cultural significance
Percy has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from pierre.
Peak popularity
Reached #1024 in 1886 — currently #1279 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Percy?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Percy?
Percy works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Percy Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Percy John
One syllable · timeless choice
Percy Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Percy Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Percy Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Percy Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Percy right now?
Declining — down 19 spots — currently #1279 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1279 | 154 | ▼ down 19 · -2% births |
| 2024 | #1260 | 157 | ▲ up 302 · +40% births |
| 2023 | #1562 | 112 | ▲ up 21 |
| 2022 | #1583 | 112 | ▲ up 229 · +29% births |
| 2021 | #1812 | 87 | ▲ up 10240 · +1143% births |
| 2020 | #12052 | 7 | ▼ down 5489 · +40% births |
| 1965 | #6563 | 5 | ▼ down 2114 · -44% births |
| 1960 | #4449 | 9 | ▼ down 110 · +29% births |
| 1950 | #4339 | 7 | ▼ down 650 |
| 1945 | #3689 | 7 | ▼ down 465 · -12% births |
| 1940 | #3224 | 8 | ▼ down 284 · -11% births |
| 1935 | #2940 | 9 | ▼ down 374 · -25% births |
| 1930 | #2566 | 12 | ▼ down 616 · -40% births |
| 1925 | #1950 | 20 | ▲ up 649 · +54% births |
| 1920 | #2599 | 13 | — |
The story of Percy
Percy has been a beloved American name for over 138 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1886. A total of 32,176 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1627 in 1895 to #1562 in 2023. Percy is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.
Names that peaked alongside Percy in 1886:
Percy by decade
Percy peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,178 | |
| 1890s | 1,593 | |
| 1900s | 1,539 | |
| 1910s | 4,318 | |
| 1920s ★ | 5,581 | |
| 1930s | 3,963 | |
| 1940s | 3,758 | |
| 1950s | 3,587 | |
| 1960s | 2,207 | |
| 1970s | 1,540 | |
| 1980s | 1,036 | |
| 1990s | 735 | |
| 2000s | 491 | |
| 2010s | 575 | |
| 2020s | 408 | |
What are good nicknames for Percy?
What names sound and feel like Percy?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Percy also consider these
How is Percy written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Percy
What does the name Percy mean?
Percy means "from Pierre" — 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 Percy?
Percy is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Percy have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Percy?
Percy 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 Percy?
Percy is a two-syllable name pronounced PER-see. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Percy trending right now?
Percy is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.