Percy

♀ Girl

Pronounced PUR-see /ˈpɜr.si/High

Meaning: A pet form of Percival — from the Old French perce val, 'pierce the valley'; also an English/Norman surname (from Perci in Normandy); used for both sexes; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Pierce the valley: Percy is a pet form of Percival. Crisp, retro, and warm. Used for both sexes.

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Origin LowFrench

MeaningA pet form of Percival — from the Old French perce val, 'pierce the valley'; also an English/Norman surname (from Perci in Normandy); used for both sexes; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#9941 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births10 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1918

Total births (all-time)≈ 636

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Percy is a pet form of Percival — from the Old French perce val, 'pierce the valley'; also an English/Norman surname (from Perci in Normandy; routes layered, which we note). Used for both sexes, here for a girl (slug distinguished; said 'PUR-see').

In the U.S. it appears for both sexes. Rare, pierce-the-valley at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Percival means 'pierce the valley' in Old French — Percy is a pet form (also a Norman surname), crisp and retro, used for both sexes (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'PUR-see').

Overall data confidence 32%

References — Percy — nickname; unisex; routes layered

Variations

PerciePerceyPersy

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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Explore names like Percy

By themeuncertain unisex french nickname-name retro

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Percy mean?

Percy is a pet form of Percival — Old French 'pierce the valley' (also a Norman surname); used for both sexes; here for a girl. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Percy?

It's said PUR-see /ˈpɜr.si/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Percy a boy or girl name?

Percy is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Percy?

Percy is a very rare name for girls in the U.S.