Percival

Pronunciation: [ p-ERS-ihv-uhl ]

Boy Name #1,765 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

The pure-hearted Grail knight of Arthurian legend

English French Medieval European

Literary Royal Vintage Classic

Meaning & Origin

"pierce the valley"

Origin: Old French

Language: English

"hard spear (from Welsh Peredur)"

Origin: Welsh

Language: English

The Story of Percival

Percival was created by the French poet Chretien de Troyes around 1180 for his Arthurian romance 'Perceval, the Story of the Grail.' The name likely derives from Old French perce val, meaning 'pierce the valley,' though it may also have Welsh origins in Peredur. Percival became the archetypal pure-hearted knight on a quest for the Holy Grail — a figure of spiritual innocence and chivalric virtue. Wagner immortalized him as Parsifal in his 1882 opera.

Percival enjoyed Victorian popularity as Arthurian legend experienced a romantic revival. It declined through the 20th century but is seeing renewed interest as parents rediscover elaborate historical names. Percy remains its popular nickname form.

In Arthurian legend, Percival (or Parsifal) represents the innocent fool who achieves what the more sophisticated knights cannot — finding the Holy Grail through purity of heart rather than worldly power. This makes the name a symbol of spiritual potential.

Fun Facts

Percival is one of two knights in Arthurian legend (along with Galahad) who achieves the Holy Grail quest
Wagner's opera Parsifal (1882), based on Percival, premiered at Bayreuth and is considered one of the greatest works in operatic history

Percival in Other Languages

Welsh Peredur

French Perceval

German Parsifal

Italian Percivale

Spanish Percival

Famous People Named Percival

Percival Lowell

Scientist

1855

American astronomer who predicted the existence of Pluto and built the Lowell Observatory

Percy Bysshe Shelley

Writer

1792

Major English Romantic poet, husband of Mary Shelley, known for Prometheus Unbound and Ode to the West Wind

Percival (Arthurian legend) Fictional

Other

Knight of the Round Table and achiever of the Holy Grail quest in Arthurian romance

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #1,765
Total SSA Count: 93
Cultural Origins: English French Medieval European
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Percy #1256

Common Nicknames

Percy Val

Pairs Well With

Percival James Percival Arthur Percival Edward Percival William Percival Hugo Percival Felix Percival Rupert

Sibling Names

Gawain Lancelot Isolde Guinevere Arthur Rowan Edmund

Similar Names

Percy Chauncey Quincy Mercy Darcy Perseus Theseus

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Percival

What does the name Percival mean?

"pierce the valley" (from Old French). "hard spear (from Welsh Peredur)" (from Welsh). Percival was created by the French poet Chretien de Troyes around 1180 for his Arthurian romance 'Perceval, the Story of the Grail.' The name likely derives from Old French perce val, meaning 'pierce the valley,' though it may also have Welsh origins in Peredur. Percival became the archetypal pure-hearted knight on a quest for the Holy Grail — a figure of spiritual innocence and chivalric virtue. Wagner immortalized him as Parsifal in his 1882 opera.

What is the origin of the name Percival?

Percival has Old French, Welsh, English, French, and Medieval European origins. In Old French, it means "pierce the valley". In Welsh, it means "hard spear (from Welsh Peredur)".

Is Percival a boy or girl name?

Percival is primarily used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Percival?

Percival is pronounced p-ERS-ihv-uhl.

How popular is the name Percival?

Percival is currently ranked #1765 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Percival?

Common nicknames for Percival include Percy and Val.

What are good middle names for Percival?

Popular middle name pairings include Percival James, Percival Arthur, Percival Edward, Percival William, Percival Hugo, Percival Felix, and Percival Rupert.

What are good sibling names for Percival?

Names that pair well with Percival as siblings include Gawain, Lancelot, Isolde, Guinevere, Arthur, Rowan, and Edmund.

How many syllables does Percival have?

Percival has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Percival a common or rare name?

Percival is an uncommon name, ranked #1765 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Percival

Percival is a boy name with English, French, and Medieval European origins . The name means "pierce the valley" in Old French .

Percival is currently ranked #1,765 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Percival has 3 syllables and is pronounced p-ERS-ihv-uhl, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Percival include Percy and Val. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Percival include Percy . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.