Percival Leonard Everett II, born on December 22, 1956, is an influential American writer and Distinguished Professor of English at the University of Southern California. Known for his diverse literary works spanning western fiction, mysteries, thrillers, satire, and philosophical fiction, Everett's novels often delve into satirical explorations of race and identity issues in the United States. Some of his most renowned works include "Erasure" (2001), "I Am Not Sidney Poitier" (2009), and "The Trees" (2021), the latter being shortlisted for the 2022 Booker Prize. Notably, his 2024 novel "James," a Booker Prize finalist, received accolades, winning the Kirkus Prize and the National Book Award for Fiction. Additionally, Everett's novel "Erasure" was adapted into the film "American Fiction" (2023), directed by Cord Jefferson and starring Jeffrey Wright, Sterling K. Brown, and Leslie Uggams.Percival L. Everett was born in Fort Gordon, Georgia, and later moved to Columbia, South Carolina. He holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of Miami and a master's degree in fiction from Brown University. Currently residing in Los Angeles, California, with his wife, the novelist Danzy Senna, and their two children, Everett has established himself as a prominent literary figure with a captivating body of work.

Percival Lowell (March 13, 1855 – November 12, 1916) was an American businessman, author, mathematician, and astronomer known for his role in promoting the idea of canals on Mars and contributing to the theories of a ninth planet in the Solar System. He established the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, which eventually led to the discovery of Pluto, 14 years after his passing.Born into the esteemed Lowell family in Boston, Massachusetts, Percival Lowell graduated from Harvard College with distinction in mathematics. Following a successful career in business, he embarked on extensive travels in the Far East, living in Korea and Japan and authoring books on Japanese religion and psychology.Lowell's interest in astronomy was sparked by Camille Flammarion's book, leading him to dedicate himself to the study of Mars and the formation of the Lowell Observatory. He chose Flagstaff, Arizona, as its location due to its optimal conditions for astronomical observations.Despite setbacks in his astronomical work and the onset of World War I, Lowell remained dedicated to his pacifist beliefs and his observatory until his passing at the age of 61.Percival Lowell's legacy continues through the discoveries made at the Lowell Observatory, and his contributions to the study of Mars and the outer reaches of the Solar System remain influential in the field of astronomy.

Percival is a masculine given name derived from the Celtic name Peredur and likely influenced by the Old French percer, meaning pierce and val, meaning valley. The name was likely also influenced by the name Percy. Sir Percival was one of the Knights of the Round Table in Arthurian romance. Notable individuals with the name Percival include Percival Alger, a Filipino fencer, Percival Allen, a British geologist, Percival Appleby, a Canadian World War I flying ace, Robert Perceval Armitage, a British colonial administrator, Percival Arnott, an Australian cricketer, and many others. The name has been associated with a wide range of professionals and personalities across various fields and countries, showcasing its diverse usage and historical significance. Whether as an adventurous explorer, accomplished athlete, influential politician, or esteemed academic, individuals bearing the name Percival have made their mark in history and continue to be remembered for their contributions.

Thomas George Percival Spear (1901–1982) was a prominent British historian known for his expertise in modern South Asian history, particularly its colonial era. He pursued his education at St Catharine's College, Cambridge, where he majored in History and was also a member of the Cambridge rowing team. Spear's career took him to India, where he taught European and English history at St. Stephen's College, Delhi. Later, he served as a deputy secretary to the government of India and held significant roles in the country's governance. Spear's contributions to academia include his acclaimed book "Master of Bengal: Clive and his India," in which he delved into the historical dynamics of Bengal and its significance in the context of peaceful commercial operations. Throughout his career, he authored several notable works, including "A History of India Volume 2" and "The Nabobs." Percival Spear's remarkable contributions to the study of South Asian history have solidified his legacy in the academic world.

Percival is a name that holds significance in both Arthurian legend and real life. In the Arthurian legend, Percival is known as a Knight of the Round Table and features in various literary works, including "Perceval, the Story of the Grail" and "Parzival." In real life, the name has been borne by notable individuals across different fields, such as British politician Alexander Perceval, American poet James Gates Percival, and New Zealand footballer Ria Percival. Additionally, the name has made appearances in popular culture, being associated with fictional characters like Mr. Percival from the Australian movie "Storm Boy" and Percival Graves from the film "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them." Furthermore, Percival has been connected to various locations, including Percival, Iowa and Percival Street in Hong Kong, as well as being the namesake of a British aircraft manufacturer and a public sculpture. The name Percival carries a rich and diverse legacy, encompassing both legendary tales and real-world achievements.