Percy is a name of English origin that has a rich history and meaning behind it. It is derived from the Middle English name Percival, which in turn comes from the Germanic name Perciualis or Perchivaldis. These names are composed of the elements "perh" meaning "through" and "hwald" meaning "power" or "rule," thus giving Percy a meaning of "through power" or "powerful through."
The name Percy has been popular throughout history, particularly in England. One of the most notable figures with this name is Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland (1341-1408), who was an English nobleman and soldier during the late 14th century. Known as "Harry Hotspur," he fought against King Richard II but later submitted to King Henry IV. This character inspired Sir Walter Scott's epic poem "The Bride of Lammermoor" (1819) and is believed to have been an influence on Shakespeare's play "Henry IV, Part 1."
Other notable individuals with the name Percy include several British politicians, writers, and musicians. Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822), the famous English Romantic poet, bore this name. The Percy family also has a long-standing connection to Northumberland, where they have held the title Duke of Northumberland since 1750.
In literature and popular culture, Percy is often associated with adventurous or heroic characters. For example, in the popular novel series "Percy Jackson & the Olympians" by Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson is a protagonist who discovers he is a demigod and embarks on thrilling quests to protect Mount Olympus from various threats.
Overall, the name Percy has a strong historical background and a compelling meaning that makes it an attractive choice for parents looking for a name with English origins and a rich heritage.
The statistics for the given name Percy in the United States from 1914 to 1930 show a relatively consistent number of births each year. The highest number of births was recorded in 1916 with 7 babies named Percy, while the lowest numbers were seen in 1914, 1915, 1920, 1921, and 1930, with just 5 births each year. Overall, during this period, there were a total of 39 babies named Percy born in the United States.