Percival

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Percival

Gender: Masculine
Language: English
Etymology:
Percival is the English form of Perceval, the Old French form (via Frenchified Arthurian legend) of an old Celtic name, Peredur. Peredur was altered to resemble the French surname meaning “Pierced Valley,” (“percer val”), or “Peter’s Valley” (“Piers Val”).

History:
The first noted Percival (outside of legend) was one Percivale Snowdon in 1375. It gained a following in the 19th century due to a revival of in interest in King Arthur. Sir Percival, in the stories, was one of the most pure and unblemished knights. It was fairly common in 19th century Britain, but rare elsewhere.

Pronunciation: purse-ee-vall.

Diminutives:
English: Percy.

Alternates: Percivale, Percivall.
French (Old): Perceval.
German: Parzifal, Parzival, Parsifal.

Also see: Percy.

Famous Bearers:
Artists and Authors:
Percival C. Wren (1855-1941)
British writer.

Educators, Scholars, and Social Workers:
Sir Percival Sharp (1867-1953
British educator.

Fictional Characters:
Sir Perceval
A knight of King Arthur.

Scientists:
Percivall Pott (1714-1788)
English surgeon
Percival Lowell (1855-1916)
American astronomer. Helped discover Pluto.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
0.021 % named Percy
less than 0.004 % named Percival

Popularity of Percival:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1850: 826th most popular.
1875: 897th most popular.
1900-1910: 997th most popular.
1910-2000: N/A