A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Percival since 1880
Babies named Percival per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2025, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Percival's real moment was 1892.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 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 | 156 |
| 2020s | 412 |
Meaning & origin
Percival is a name deeply rooted in Arthurian legend, first appearing in the 12th century as the creation of poet Chrétien de Troyes. The name's meaning, 'pierce the valley,' reflects the hero's journey in the Grail quest. Historically, Percival saw its peak popularity in 1892, when it was the highest rank it ever achieved. However, after a long decline, the name has been rising in usage since 2004, indicating a modern revival of interest in this classic literary name. In recent years, it has been most popular in states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Tennessee, suggesting a regional appeal. The name's enduring association with nobility and chivalry continues to attract parents seeking a distinctive yet historical choice.
Percival is a literary name invented by the 12th-century French poet Chrétien de Troyes for his romance 'Perceval, the Story of the Grail.' The name may be derived from the Old French 'perce val' (pierce the valley) or from the Welsh 'Peredur.' It was popularized in English-speaking countries through Arthurian legends and later by the works of Tennyson and other Victorian poets.
Where Percival is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Percy, Perce, Val
Variants: Perceval, Percivale, Peredur
Sibling names for Percival
Names that share Percival's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Cordelia, Guinevere, Isolde, Rowena, Elowen, Almeda, Eulalia, Carmilla, Euphemia, Gloriana, Gwynevere, Percilla, Sylvania, Zelphia, Armella, Grizelda, Morgaine, Guenevere, Lucendia, Lucindia, Morganna, Nimue, Philena
Brothers: Galahad, Lancelot, Tristan, Gawain, Arthur, Cornelious, Randolph, Roderick, Rupert, Valentine, Wilfrid, Beauregard, Eustace, Montague, Philbert, Algernon, Fitzhugh, Gervase, Philander, Aloysuis, Cederic, Regginald
