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Sign up freePercival Family Genealogy & History
Discover the Global Legacy of the Percival Surname
The surname Percival, also known in various forms such as Perceval, Parzival, and Parsifal, holds a significant place in the legend of King Arthur. It is often associated with one of the Knights of the Round Table, first introduced by Chrétien de Troyes in the tale of Perceval, the Story of the Grail. This legendary figure is renowned for being the initial hero in the quest for the Grail, symbolizing a blend of chivalric ideals and mystical quests that characterize Arthurian romance literature.
The name Percival has roots in both French and Welsh traditions, with the Welsh variant Peredur suggesting a deep Celtic connection. Although the character of Peredur appears in Welsh romances like Peredur son of Efrawg, scholars debate whether it directly influenced the French Perceval or vice versa. As the story evolved, the Percival character became integral to the lore surrounding King Arthur, reflecting cultural exchanges between the Celtic and French traditions during the medieval period.
YourRoots data affirms that the Percival surname emerged prominently in England by the early 15th century, aligning with the historical spread of Arthurian tales. The family name became established, particularly in the Midlands and Southern regions, as the Percival genealogy expanded through marriage and migration. This growth is mirrored in the YourRoots dataset, which tracks the dispersion of the Percival family tree through the centuries, showcasing how the name has endured in various locales.
Exploring the YourRoots database offers genealogists valuable insights into the global trajectory of the Percival family name. As the surname proliferated across continents, it reflects a broader narrative of migration and cultural integration, providing a rich resource for those delving into Percival records and genealogy research. This continuity of historical and genealogical data enriches the understanding of the Percival family tree's legacy.
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EPElizabeth Percival1675–1729Public Tree Person4 treesScore: BEPElizabeth Percival1675–1729Public Tree Person4 treesScore: B
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APAllen Leslie PERCIVAL1919–1977Individual Tree PersonParents: Frederick PERCIVAL & Eleanor SWIFTScore: AAPAllen Leslie PERCIVAL1919–1977Individual Tree PersonParents: Frederick PERCIVAL & Eleanor SWIFTScore: A
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APAmy Percival1858–1947Individual Tree PersonParents: Isaac Percival & Elizabeth ButlerScore: AAPAmy Percival1858–1947Individual Tree PersonParents: Isaac Percival & Elizabeth ButlerScore: A
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APAndrew Percival1535–1550Individual Tree PersonParents: Sir Gardano, & Elsbeth YorkScore: BAPAndrew Percival1535–1550Individual Tree PersonParents: Sir Gardano, & Elsbeth YorkScore: B
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APAbigail Percival1765–1833Individual Tree PersonParents: John Percival & Mary SnowScore: BAPAbigail Percival1765–1833Individual Tree PersonParents: John Percival & Mary SnowScore: B
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APAndrew Percival1535–1550Individual Tree PersonParents: Hughe Turner & Elizabeth YorkeScore: BAPAndrew Percival1535–1550Individual Tree PersonParents: Hughe Turner & Elizabeth YorkeScore: B
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APAmy Louisa Percival1870–1966Individual Tree PersonParents: John Percival & Clara LanceScore: BAPAmy Louisa Percival1870–1966Individual Tree PersonParents: John Percival & Clara LanceScore: B
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APAndrew Percival1535–1550Individual Tree PersonParents: Sir Gardano, & Lady YorkeScore: BAPAndrew Percival1535–1550Individual Tree PersonParents: Sir Gardano, & Lady YorkeScore: B
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APAndrew Percival1535–1550Individual Tree PersonParents: Sir (Knight) & Elizabeth YorkeScore: BAPAndrew Percival1535–1550Individual Tree PersonParents: Sir (Knight) & Elizabeth YorkeScore: B
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APAndrew Percival1535–1550Individual Tree PersonParents: Edmund Perceval & Elizabeth YorkeScore: BAPAndrew Percival1535–1550Individual Tree PersonParents: Edmund Perceval & Elizabeth YorkeScore: B
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APAbigail Percival1745–1764Individual Tree PersonParents: John Percival & Lydia FullerScore: BAPAbigail Percival1745–1764Individual Tree PersonParents: John Percival & Lydia FullerScore: B
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APAlan Percival1943–2019Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Percival & Evelyn GarnettScore: BAPAlan Percival1943–2019Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Percival & Evelyn GarnettScore: B
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APAbigail Percival1676–1714Individual Tree PersonParents: John Sr & Elizabeth WeeksScore: BAPAbigail Percival1676–1714Individual Tree PersonParents: John Sr & Elizabeth WeeksScore: B
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APAchmed Percival1771–1771Individual Tree PersonParents: Timothy Percival & Mary FullerScore: BAPAchmed Percival1771–1771Individual Tree PersonParents: Timothy Percival & Mary FullerScore: B
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APAmerica Jane Percival1870–1947Individual Tree PersonParents: Joseph Percival & Martha HurstScore: BAPAmerica Jane Percival1870–1947Individual Tree PersonParents: Joseph Percival & Martha HurstScore: B
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APAchmed Percival1771–1771Individual Tree PersonParents: Timothy Percival & Mary FullerScore: BAPAchmed Percival1771–1771Individual Tree PersonParents: Timothy Percival & Mary FullerScore: B
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APAda Adeline Percival1868–1949Individual Tree PersonParents: Edward Percival & Jane AmosSpouse: George PilcherChildren: William, Frederick, Florence, Rosa, BertieScore: CAPAda Adeline Percival1868–1949Individual Tree PersonParents: Edward Percival & Jane AmosSpouse: George PilcherChildren: William, Frederick, Florence, Rosa, BertieScore: C
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APAlexander Percival1832–1922Individual Tree PersonParents: John Persival & Dinah WilsonSpouse: Eliza ChapmanChildren: Anna, Alexander, John, Diane, Emma, Mary, EmilyScore: CAPAlexander Percival1832–1922Individual Tree PersonParents: John Persival & Dinah WilsonSpouse: Eliza ChapmanChildren: Anna, Alexander, John, Diane, Emma, Mary, EmilyScore: C
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APAmelia Rosina E Percival1895–1978Individual Tree PersonParents: Albert Percival & Rosina ButtSpouse: John A'courtChildren: JohnScore: CAPAmelia Rosina E Percival1895–1978Individual Tree PersonParents: Albert Percival & Rosina ButtSpouse: John A'courtChildren: JohnScore: C
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APAlice Percival1574–1637Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Percival & Elizabeth EdmonsonSpouse: Thomas WorsleyChildren: EllenScore: CAPAlice Percival1574–1637Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Percival & Elizabeth EdmonsonSpouse: Thomas WorsleyChildren: EllenScore: C
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APABRAHAM PERCIVAL1792–1869Individual Tree PersonParents: John Percival & Hannah RaysonSpouse: CATHERINE XChildren: CATHERINEScore: CAPABRAHAM PERCIVAL1792–1869Individual Tree PersonParents: John Percival & Hannah RaysonSpouse: CATHERINE XChildren: CATHERINEScore: C
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Tracing Your Percival Family Lineage
Origin of the Percival Family: Where does the Percival surname come from?
The Percival surname is believed to have originated in England, with its earliest known appearance found in records from the early 15th century. This period marks the foundational beginnings of the family tree, suggesting that the name may have been associated with specific locales or influential families at that time. Understanding the origins of the Percival name provides a glimpse into the ancestral roots that many families with this surname can trace back to in their genealogical journeys.
Genealogy and Early Family History of Percival
During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Percival family began to establish itself more prominently in England, particularly in regions such as the Midlands and the South. As the centuries progressed, family lines branched out, leading to the creation of numerous offshoots and connections within the wider community. These early family trees reflect the social dynamics of the time, as families expanded through marriage, occupation, and migration within England.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Percival surname continued to flourish, with records showing an increase in family connections and geographic dispersion within England. The growth during this period indicates a thriving lineage, as branches of the family tree were established in various counties, suggesting a robust network of relationships among those bearing the name. This expansion laid the groundwork for future generations to explore their heritage.
Tracing the Percival Family Tree Through the Centuries
As the Percival surname spread beyond its initial stronghold in England, it began to appear in other regions during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Families migrated to various parts of the British Isles and even ventured to overseas territories, resulting in a more global presence. This evolution reflects the broader historical patterns of migration and settlement, connecting the Percival family tree to diverse cultures and communities.
Throughout the 20th century, the Percival surname found its way into modern genealogical records across multiple countries, showcasing its enduring nature. The name’s presence in regions such as North America, Australia, and beyond highlights the dynamic nature of family history as descendants sought new opportunities. Exploring the YourRoots database can provide valuable insights for those looking to connect their own family stories to the rich tapestry of the Percival lineage.
Famous People with Percival (and Their Family Tree)
Eric Percival
Percival Surname Meaning, Origin, and History
The surname "Percival" originates from the legendary figure associated with King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table, first mentioned by the French author Chrétien de Troyes. The name is linked to the Welsh figure Peredur, with roots in Welsh tradition, and has various interpretations in different languages, including Old French and German. The character of Percival is primarily known for his early role in the quest for the Holy Grail, although later literature often replaced him with Galahad.
VIEW MOREWhere to Find Genealogy Records for Percival
We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Percival family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Percival surname to learn more.
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