Perce

Boy Name
Origin:old french
Pronunciation:/pɜːrs/

Perce: a male name of Old French origin meaning "Percival or Perceval is one of King Arthur’s legendary Knights of the Round Table". It derives from the Old French word "(phicell galed) (Peredur) Percevaus / Perceval".

Parents seeking a meaningful masculine name often discover Perce, drawn to its Old French heritage and beautiful significance: "Percival or Perceval is one of King Arthur’s legendary Knights of the Round Table". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.

Quick Facts About Perce

Quick facts about Perce
OriginOld French
GenderBoy name
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

Percival or Perceval is one of King Arthur’s legendary Knights of the Round Table. It was created by the French poet Chrétien de Troyes for his work “Perceval or the tale of the Grail,” written in the 12th-century. The character and his name were based on the hero of Welsh mythology “Peredur,” whose name was perhaps influenced by the French phrase “percer val” (pierce in the valley). The original meaning of “Peredur” may have been “hard spears,” even if “hard spears” in Welsh is translated “phicell galed,” which resembles more Percival than Peredur. Peredur is a series of semi-legendary figures from Britain in the dark ages.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

(phicell galed) (Peredur) Percevaus / Perceval

How to Pronounce Perce

Perce is pronounced /pɜːrs/(French)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Per-ce
  2. Say it like: "PER-CE"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Perce is predominantly used in english speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.

english
Frequently Asked Questions About Perce
What does the name Perce mean?
Perce means "Percival or Perceval is one of King Arthur’s legendary Knights of the Round Table. It was created by the French poet Chrétien de Troyes for his work “Perceval or the tale of the Grail,” written in the 12th-century. The character and his name were based on the hero of Welsh mythology “Peredur,” whose name was perhaps influenced by the French phrase “percer val” (pierce in the valley). The original meaning of “Peredur” may have been “hard spears,” even if “hard spears” in Welsh is translated “phicell galed,” which resembles more Percival than Peredur. Peredur is a series of semi-legendary figures from Britain in the dark ages.". The name comes from (phicell galed) (Peredur) Percevaus / Perceval. This old french name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Perce for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "Percival or Perceval is one of King Arthur’s legendary Knights of the Round Table. It was created by the French poet Chrétien de Troyes for his work “Perceval or the tale of the Grail,” written in the 12th-century. The character and his name were based on the hero of Welsh mythology “Peredur,” whose name was perhaps influenced by the French phrase “percer val” (pierce in the valley). The original meaning of “Peredur” may have been “hard spears,” even if “hard spears” in Welsh is translated “phicell galed,” which resembles more Percival than Peredur. Peredur is a series of semi-legendary figures from Britain in the dark ages." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Perce's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like WELSH MYTHOLOGY, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Perce?
Perce is a old french name. The name traces back to (phicell galed) (Peredur) Percevaus / Perceval. The name remains closely tied to english naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The old french meaning "Percival or Perceval is one of King Arthur’s legendary Knights of the Round Table. It was created by the French poet Chrétien de Troyes for his work “Perceval or the tale of the Grail,” written in the 12th-century. The character and his name were based on the hero of Welsh mythology “Peredur,” whose name was perhaps influenced by the French phrase “percer val” (pierce in the valley). The original meaning of “Peredur” may have been “hard spears,” even if “hard spears” in Welsh is translated “phicell galed,” which resembles more Percival than Peredur. Peredur is a series of semi-legendary figures from Britain in the dark ages." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Perce a boy or girl name?
Perce is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In old french tradition, Perce has historically been given to boys. The meaning "Percival or Perceval is one of King Arthur’s legendary Knights of the Round Table. It was created by the French poet Chrétien de Troyes for his work “Perceval or the tale of the Grail,” written in the 12th-century. The character and his name were based on the hero of Welsh mythology “Peredur,” whose name was perhaps influenced by the French phrase “percer val” (pierce in the valley). The original meaning of “Peredur” may have been “hard spears,” even if “hard spears” in Welsh is translated “phicell galed,” which resembles more Percival than Peredur. Peredur is a series of semi-legendary figures from Britain in the dark ages." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Perce?
Perce is pronounced "/pɜːrs/". This pronunciation follows fr language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Perce is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with old french names, listening to a native speaker say Perce can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
What are common nicknames for Perce?
Perce is commonly used as a nickname for Percy. Being a shortened version of Percy, Perce offers a casual alternative that's quicker to say in everyday conversation. Many people named Percy go by Perce throughout their lives, using the full name only on official documents. In old french cultures, using Perce as a nickname carries a sense of familiarity and warmth. This nickname pattern is common among boys and men, though some now use Perce as a given name on its own. Today, parents sometimes put Perce on the birth certificate directly, skipping the longer form entirely. This gives the child a name that feels both complete and approachable.
How popular is the name Perce?
Perce is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Perce offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Perce's popularity may vary between old french communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "Percival or Perceval is one of King Arthur’s legendary Knights of the Round Table. It was created by the French poet Chrétien de Troyes for his work “Perceval or the tale of the Grail,” written in the 12th-century. The character and his name were based on the hero of Welsh mythology “Peredur,” whose name was perhaps influenced by the French phrase “percer val” (pierce in the valley). The original meaning of “Peredur” may have been “hard spears,” even if “hard spears” in Welsh is translated “phicell galed,” which resembles more Percival than Peredur. Peredur is a series of semi-legendary figures from Britain in the dark ages." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Perce holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Perce commonly used?
Perce is used primarily in english naming traditions. Though old french in origin, Perce found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "Percival or Perceval is one of King Arthur’s legendary Knights of the Round Table. It was created by the French poet Chrétien de Troyes for his work “Perceval or the tale of the Grail,” written in the 12th-century. The character and his name were based on the hero of Welsh mythology “Peredur,” whose name was perhaps influenced by the French phrase “percer val” (pierce in the valley). The original meaning of “Peredur” may have been “hard spears,” even if “hard spears” in Welsh is translated “phicell galed,” which resembles more Percival than Peredur. Peredur is a series of semi-legendary figures from Britain in the dark ages." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Perce into their naming traditions. A child named Perce will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Perce is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Perce?
Perce carries associations with WELSH MYTHOLOGY. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "Percival or Perceval is one of King Arthur’s legendary Knights of the Round Table. It was created by the French poet Chrétien de Troyes for his work “Perceval or the tale of the Grail,” written in the 12th-century. The character and his name were based on the hero of Welsh mythology “Peredur,” whose name was perhaps influenced by the French phrase “percer val” (pierce in the valley). The original meaning of “Peredur” may have been “hard spears,” even if “hard spears” in Welsh is translated “phicell galed,” which resembles more Percival than Peredur. Peredur is a series of semi-legendary figures from Britain in the dark ages." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In old french culture, where Perce originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Perce sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Perce often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In english communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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