Percy

What does the baby name Percy mean? Learn about what Percy means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Percy - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Percy: P-E-R-C-Y, is a 5-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Percy: PUR see
Meaning of Percy: Pierces, pierce valley, pierce the valley, from the name percival.
Origin of Percy: The name 'Percy' has its origins in France, specifically in the region of Normandy. It is derived from the French surname 'Perci', which was a place name referring to a village in Normandy. The earliest known use of the name can be traced back to the 11th century, when it was first recorded as 'Perci' in the Domesday Book, a survey of England and Wales commissioned by William the Conqueror.; American Names; British Names; Canadian Names; English Names; French Names; Pet Names; Surname Names; Welsh Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Percy: Parsafal; Parsefal; Pearcy; Perce; Percey; Percival; Percivale; Purcell
Popularity of Percy: Throughout history, the popularity of the name 'Percy' has experienced fluctuations. In medieval times, it was primarily used among the nobility and aristocracy. However, its usage declined in the following centuries. It saw a resurgence in the late 19th century, particularly in England, and became more widely used among the upper class. In the United States, the name 'Percy' reached its peak popularity in the early 20th century, but has since declined in usage.; Percy currently has 536 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked boy's names. The name Matt is slightly more popular than Percy.

Etymology of Percy

The etymology of the name 'Percy' can be traced back to the Old French word 'percier', meaning 'to pierce' or 'to penetrate'. This suggests a connection to the idea of strength and resilience, as well as the ability to overcome obstacles. It is also worth noting that the name 'Percy' shares linguistic roots with the name Pierce, which has a similar meaning.

Cultural Significance of Percy

The name 'Percy' holds particular significance in English literature and history. It is closely associated with the 'Percy' family, one of the most prominent noble families in medieval England. The 'Percy's played a significant role in the Wars of the Roses and were known for their military prowess and political influence. Their ancestral seat, Alnwick Castle, still stands today and is a testament to their enduring legacy.