Percival is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old French name Perceval, which in turn comes from the Germanic elements "perh" meaning "to pierce" or "to thrust through," and "valaz" meaning "powerful." Therefore, Percival means "piercing valiance."
The name Percival first appeared in Arthurian literature as one of the Knights of the Round Table. It was popularized by Chrétien de Troyes in his poem "Le Conte du Graal," written around 1180. In this work, Percival is a young knight who becomes a key figure in the quest for the Holy Grail. Due to its association with this legendary character, Percival has been associated with chivalry, bravery, and purity.
Throughout history, Percival has been a relatively rare name, but it has seen some popularity among English-speaking countries such as England, Wales, and the United States. Its unique sound and historical significance make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with a rich history.
In terms of usage, Percival is often used as a given name, but it can also serve as a surname. Some notable individuals with the name Percival include British poet John Percivale Symonds, Australian explorer William Gosse Percival, and American actor Percival Maitland (better known by his stage name, Percival Leigh).
Overall, Percival is an uncommon yet intriguing name with deep roots in Arthurian legend and a meaning that embodies strength and power. Its unique sound and historical significance make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
Based on the provided statistics, here's an explanatory text about the name Percival in the United States:
The name Percival has seen varying levels of popularity over the years in the United States, with fluctuations that span nearly a century and a half. Between 1880 and 2023, there have been a total of 1260 births registered with the name Percival.
In the late 19th to early 20th centuries, the name was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1880 to 1920. However, it began to gain traction in the mid-1920s, with a notable spike in popularity between 1926 and 1934, reaching as high as 19 births in 1926.
The name's popularity seemed to wane thereafter, dropping back down to single-digit figures until the 1950s. It experienced another small surge in popularity during the mid-1950s to early 1970s, with the highest numbers recorded being 14 births in 1965 and 15 births in 1971.
After a period of decline, Percival's popularity began to rise again in the late 1980s, reaching its peak in recent years. In fact, there were 63 births with the name Percival recorded in the United States in 2023 alone, which is more than double the number of births recorded in any previous year since the early 1970s.
This data suggests that while Percival has not been one of the most popular names throughout history, it has maintained a consistent presence and has seen periods of increased popularity. The recent surge in its usage indicates that the name Percival continues to be chosen by parents for their children today.