Sign up to explore more
Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.
Sign up to explore more
Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.
Percival 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.
Find the Percival Family Tree
Search more Percival trees & genealogy records
Records
-
FPFrank Lee Percival1871–1942Individual Tree PersonParents: Alonzo Percival & Lydia AustinSpouse: Mary PercivalChildren: Dewey, Lisle, Charlie, Foy, Louis, Lynn, Walter, Velma, AlmaScore: AFPFrank Lee Percival1871–1942Individual Tree PersonParents: Alonzo Percival & Lydia AustinSpouse: Mary PercivalChildren: Dewey, Lisle, Charlie, Foy, Louis, Lynn, Walter, Velma, AlmaScore: A
-
JPJohn Percival1848–1923Individual Tree PersonParents: Henry PercivalSpouse: Hannah GoodliffeChildren: John, WalterScore: AJPJohn Percival1848–1923Individual Tree PersonParents: Henry PercivalSpouse: Hannah GoodliffeChildren: John, WalterScore: A
-
MPMichael Peter Percival1930–1931Individual Tree PersonParents: Herman Percival & Peggy GardnerScore: AMPMichael Peter Percival1930–1931Individual Tree PersonParents: Herman Percival & Peggy GardnerScore: A
-
IPIsabella M Percival1855–1930Individual Tree PersonParents: Simon Percival & Elizabeth BaconSpouse: William Hopkins, John Farrington, James Fraser, Charles BurrowsChildren: Percival, Museatta, Alice, Percival, ElizabethScore: AIPIsabella M Percival1855–1930Individual Tree PersonParents: Simon Percival & Elizabeth BaconSpouse: William Hopkins, John Farrington, James Fraser, Charles BurrowsChildren: Percival, Museatta, Alice, Percival, ElizabethScore: A
-
FPFrederick William PERCIVAL1912–1971Individual Tree PersonParents: Frederick PERCIVAL & Jane LAWRENCESpouse: Ivy PEAKScore: AFPFrederick William PERCIVAL1912–1971Individual Tree PersonParents: Frederick PERCIVAL & Jane LAWRENCESpouse: Ivy PEAKScore: A
-
JPJohn Percival1759–1838Individual Tree PersonParents: Richard Percival & Ellen WithingtonSpouse: Jane RadcliffeChildren: Ellen, Richard, Betty, Peggy, Joseph, Thomas, Robert, Sarah, JamesScore: AJPJohn Percival1759–1838Individual Tree PersonParents: Richard Percival & Ellen WithingtonSpouse: Jane RadcliffeChildren: Ellen, Richard, Betty, Peggy, Joseph, Thomas, Robert, Sarah, JamesScore: A
-
MPMichael Henry Percival1779–1829Individual Tree PersonParents: Philip Perceval & Catherine HennesaySpouse: Anne FlowerChildren: Jane, MichaelScore: AMPMichael Henry Percival1779–1829Individual Tree PersonParents: Philip Perceval & Catherine HennesaySpouse: Anne FlowerChildren: Jane, MichaelScore: A
-
HPHorace Hilton Percival1897–1965Individual Tree PersonParents: James Percival & Caroline CallanScore: AHPHorace Hilton Percival1897–1965Individual Tree PersonParents: James Percival & Caroline CallanScore: A
-
TPTimothy Percival1733–1815Individual Tree PersonParents: John Parseval & Hannah WhitmoreScore: ATPTimothy Percival1733–1815Individual Tree PersonParents: John Parseval & Hannah WhitmoreScore: A
-
JPJohn David Percival1905–1980Individual Tree PersonParents: Mary KyneScore: AJPJohn David Percival1905–1980Individual Tree PersonParents: Mary KyneScore: A
-
DPDewey Percival1898–1983Individual Tree PersonParents: Frank Percival & Mary PercivalSpouse: Lois Percival, Velia BollingerChildren: jay, ClydeScore: ADPDewey Percival1898–1983Individual Tree PersonParents: Frank Percival & Mary PercivalSpouse: Lois Percival, Velia BollingerChildren: jay, ClydeScore: A
-
APAnn Percival1848–1912Individual Tree PersonParents: John Percival & Susannah PercivalSpouse: John DesboroughChildren: Kate, Mercy, Fanny, Annie, Maud, John, Hannah, Thomas, DorothyScore: AAPAnn Percival1848–1912Individual Tree PersonParents: John Percival & Susannah PercivalSpouse: John DesboroughChildren: Kate, Mercy, Fanny, Annie, Maud, John, Hannah, Thomas, DorothyScore: A
-
GPGladys Joanna PERCIVAL1907–1991Individual Tree PersonParents: Frederick PERCIVAL & Jane LAWRENCESpouse: Thomas SMALLMANChildren: Maxwell, EdwardScore: AGPGladys Joanna PERCIVAL1907–1991Individual Tree PersonParents: Frederick PERCIVAL & Jane LAWRENCESpouse: Thomas SMALLMANChildren: Maxwell, EdwardScore: A
-
LPLucy Clark, Percival1865–1951Individual Tree PersonParents: Norman Clark & Pamelia ChamberlainSpouse: George PercivalChildren: Katherine, EdithScore: ALPLucy Clark, Percival1865–1951Individual Tree PersonParents: Norman Clark & Pamelia ChamberlainSpouse: George PercivalChildren: Katherine, EdithScore: A
-
TPTimothy Percival1733–1815Individual Tree PersonParents: John Percival & Hannah WhitmoreSpouse: Mary FullerChildren: Jabez, elizabeth, Elkanah, anna, Achmed, Timothy, Lydia, El, Timothy, ElizabethScore: ATPTimothy Percival1733–1815Individual Tree PersonParents: John Percival & Hannah WhitmoreSpouse: Mary FullerChildren: Jabez, elizabeth, Elkanah, anna, Achmed, Timothy, Lydia, El, Timothy, ElizabethScore: A
-
APAllen Leslie PERCIVAL1919–1977Individual Tree PersonParents: Frederick PERCIVAL & Eleanor SWIFTScore: AAPAllen Leslie PERCIVAL1919–1977Individual Tree PersonParents: Frederick PERCIVAL & Eleanor SWIFTScore: A
-
WPWilliam Percival1772–1861Individual Tree PersonParents: Rebecca SeptonSpouse: Sarah Williamson, Ann MyersChildren: Mary, AnnScore: AWPWilliam Percival1772–1861Individual Tree PersonParents: Rebecca SeptonSpouse: Sarah Williamson, Ann MyersChildren: Mary, AnnScore: A
-
GPGladys Amelia Percival1914–1977Individual Tree PersonParents: Mary KyneSpouse: George MayChildren: David, GeorgeScore: AGPGladys Amelia Percival1914–1977Individual Tree PersonParents: Mary KyneSpouse: George MayChildren: David, GeorgeScore: A
-
JPJane Percival1890–1968Individual Tree PersonParents: Zachariah Percival & Sarah JohnsonScore: AJPJane Percival1890–1968Individual Tree PersonParents: Zachariah Percival & Sarah JohnsonScore: A
-
HPHannah Percival1711–1803Individual Tree PersonParents: Francis III & Mary (Whitmore)Score: AHPHannah Percival1711–1803Individual Tree PersonParents: Francis III & Mary (Whitmore)Score: A
Search more trees & records for
Percival for free
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.
VIEW MOREAbout YourRoots
Explore your family tree geographically
Import your GEDCOM file to transform your family tree into an interactive global map. See your roots laid out visually and understand your true geographic heritage.
Powerful tools like "Trace Back To Me" instantly map your family's migration paths from a chosen ancestor all the way back to you.
Discover ancestors beyond "end-of-line" automatically
Import your family tree and let AI expand it for you. AI Ancestor Finder scans "end-of-line" ancestors to uncover their parents across hundreds of family lines at once. AI Deep Research analyzes selected ancestors and family clusters, suggesting relevant records and next steps.
Turn on Auto Research Mode to get new discoveries daily or weekly, so your tree keeps growing even while you're away.
Find more DNA matches across all DNA tests
Combine your DNA data with your family tree to unlock the full power of YourRoots DNA Match. Connect with relatives across major testing services — Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and more.
View your matches' maps and trees to identify shared ancestors, and soon you'll be able to add them directly to your own tree and map.
Ancestry DNA analysis that goes deeper than others
Unlock exclusive reports that reveal your deeper origins.
- Deep Ancestry Report — Analyze 130+ ethnicities, sub-regions, and 1,800+ communities in one detailed view.
- Global & Native American Reports — Developed with Stanford researchers to uncover hidden ancestries across all 22 chromosomes.
- Ancient DNA Series — Compare your DNA with 1,000+ ancient genomes from Viking, Celtic, and early American civilizations.
Sign up to explore more
Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.
Coming Soon
We're actively working on many new features for YourRoots. Features marked v2 are ones we're planning to launch soon.
Have a particular feature request? Let us know below!