Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Parsifal

      Origin

      Germanic, Associated With Arthurian Legend

      Meaning

      Spear Bearer or One who Pierces

      Variations

      Parsafal, Parsefal, Marshall
      The name Parsifal, originating from the Germanic language, translates to spear bearer or one who pierces. This etymological root signifies both a physical and metaphorical representation of strength, determination, and the quest for truth or enlightenment. The name is most notably associated with the Knight of the Round Table, Parsifal or Percival, who is celebrated for his noble quest for the Holy Grail, symbolizing purity and spiritual fulfillment.

      The name Parsifal has deep historical roots in Arthurian legend, dating back to the 12th century. It is most famously depicted in the works of the medieval poet Chrétien de Troyes and later in Wolfram von Eschenbach’s Parzival. In these narratives, the character's journey encompasses themes of chivalry, virtue, and the intersection of human flaws with divine aspirations. Parsifal's significance extended into other art forms, notably Richard Wagner’s opera Parsifal, which further institutionalized the name within cultural and literary contexts, linking it with the ideals of heroism and spiritual quests throughout history.

      In contemporary usage, the name Parsifal is less common as a first name but retains cultural relevance, particularly in artistic circles and discussions surrounding themes of myth and legend. It continues to evoke discussions of heroism, spirituality, and the exploration of one's purpose. The opera and its themes have inspired various adaptations and interpretations in modern media, ensuring that the name remains a point of reference in both academic study and popular culture. Furthermore, Parsifal has been adopted as a name in various contexts, including literature, film, and music, signifying a connection to the ideals of aspiration and knightly valor that the character represents.

      Based on our records...

      Coté

      Coté

      This is the most common surname associated with Parsifal.
      Gina

      Gina

      This is the most common name of those married to a Parsifal.
      Maximilian

      Maximilian

      This is the most common name for a child of a Parsifal.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1896 is when there were the most people born with the first name Parsifal.

      Explore the origins of another name.