Percival Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Percival
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name PERCIVAL. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Percival
Gender
Male
Origin
Arthurian
Lucky Number
5
Meaning of the Name
Percival is a knight of the Round Table in Arthurian legend, known for his purity and quest for the Holy Grail. The name suggests chivalric virtue and spiritual seeking.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Mercury
Positive Nature
Adventurous, dynamic, curious, and social.
Negative Traits
Restless, impatient, inconsistent, prone to indulgence.
Lucky Colours
Green, white.
Lucky Days
Wednesday.
Lucky Stones
Emerald.
Harmony Numbers
1, 3, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Sales, marketing, travel, entertainment.
What People Like About You
Versatility, charisma, adventurous spirit.
Famous People Named Percival
Sir Percival
Arthurian Knight
One of King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table who achieved the Holy Grail
Percival Lowell
Astronomer
Founded Lowell Observatory and initiated search that led to Pluto's discovery
Percival Everett
Author
Award-winning novelist and professor, author of 'Erasure' and 'I Am Not Sidney Poitier'
Percival Cox
Fictional Character
Main character in medical drama 'Scrubs', renowned for his medical expertise and mentorship
Name Variations & International Equivalents
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Cultural & Historical Significance
The name gained renewed popularity during the 19th-century Arthurian revival, particularly through Tennyson's 'Idylls of the King' and the Pre-Raphaelite movement's fascination with medieval themes. In the 20th century, Percival continued to symbolize chivalric virtue in works like T.H. White's 'The Once and Future King' and various film adaptations. The character's enduring appeal lies in his relatability—he begins as an ordinary person with extraordinary potential, making his spiritual journey accessible to modern audiences seeking meaning in an increasingly complex world.
Extended Personality Analysis
Individuals named Percival are often perceived as idealistic, principled, and spiritually inclined, carrying the legacy of their Arthurian namesake. They typically exhibit a blend of innocence and wisdom—the 'holy fool' quality that allows them to see truth where others see complexity. Percivals tend to be deeply committed to their values, sometimes appearing naive to more cynical observers, but this very quality often enables them to achieve remarkable breakthroughs that more conventional thinkers miss.
These individuals are natural seekers, drawn to mysteries and spiritual questions, with a strong sense of purpose that guides their actions. While they may start life as inexperienced as the young Percival who couldn't recognize armor, they possess the potential for profound growth and enlightenment through their journeys. They're often late bloomers who find their true calling through perseverance and moral integrity rather than early achievement. Their strength lies in their ability to maintain optimism and ethical standards even when faced with disappointment or complexity, making them natural leaders in fields requiring both vision and integrity.
Modern Usage & Popularity
Percival remains an uncommon but distinguished choice in modern naming, ranking outside the top 1000 names in most English-speaking countries but maintaining a steady presence among parents seeking literary or historical names with character. According to naming statistics, the name has seen a slight resurgence in recent years, particularly among fans of Arthurian legend and those appreciating vintage names with strong narrative connections. It's most popular in the United Kingdom and among academic families, often chosen by parents who value tradition and literary heritage. The name appears more frequently in fantasy literature and gaming communities, where its Arthurian connections resonate strongly. While not trending dramatically upward, Percival maintains a stable, niche appeal that ensures it won't become overly common while remaining recognizable and respected—a quality many modern parents seek in a world of increasingly popular and then quickly dated name choices.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Percival represents the journey from innocence to enlightenment, the seeker who finds spiritual truth through purity of heart rather than worldly knowledge. The name's literal meaning—'pierce the valley'—embodies the concept of breaking through darkness and obstacles to reach higher understanding. It symbolizes the idea that true wisdom often comes through simplicity and direct experience rather than complex learning, making it a powerful emblem for those who value authenticity over sophistication. The Grail quest associated with Percival makes the name a profound symbol of spiritual seeking and the human capacity for transformation through dedicated pursuit of higher ideals. In psychological terms, it represents the integration of naive innocence with hard-won wisdom, creating a complete individual who maintains moral purity while understanding worldly complexity—the perfect balance that many spiritual traditions identify as the path to true enlightenment and meaningful existence.