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
      • Person Preview
      • 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
      Loading
        Loading
        • Register a Kit
        • AncestryDNA®
        • AncestryDNA Support
        • DNA Learning Hub
        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
        • Ancestry Blog
        • Gift Memberships
        • Site Map
        • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
        • Updated Privacy
        • Updated Terms and Conditions
        • Cookies
        • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
        Group of people

        Meaning of the first name Percey

        Origin

        French, English

        Meaning

        Pierce, or to Navigate Through

        Variations

        Mercey, Perley, Perrey
        The name Percy, derived from the French surname Perceval, is linked to the Old French percer, meaning to pierce or to navigate through. This name conveys notions of bravery and exploration, evoking images of heroic quests and individuals who forge their own paths. As a first name, Percy has become both a distinctive and classic choice, often associated with qualities of resilience and strength.

        Percy has historical roots that trace back to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The name was borne by the Percy family, a prominent noble lineage that played significant roles in English history, particularly during the medieval period. Notable figures, such as Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland, and his son Hotspur, were prominent in various political and military conflicts, including the Wars of the Roses. Over the centuries, Percy became associated with nobility, valor, and literary representations, cementing its place in historical narratives and folklore.

        In contemporary times, Percy remains a recognizable name, often evoking both charm and character. It has seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly in literary and entertainment circles, thanks to its unique sound and historical significance. Modern bearers of the name span various fields, from literature to film and beyond, while its usage in popular culture, such as in “Percy Jackson” and “Percy Blakeney” of “The Scarlet Pimpernel, keeps its legacy alive. Today, Percy often represents individuality and a connection to its storied past, appealing to parents seeking meaningful, yet distinguished, names for their children.

        Based on our records...

        Smith

        This is the most common surname associated with Percey.

        Alice

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

        George

        This is the most common name for a child of a Percey.
        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
        Based on our records...

        Did you know?

        1890 is when there were the most people born with the first name Percey.

        Explore the origins of another name.