Percy is of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name 'Aemilius'. It is believed to have been adopted into Britain during the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century. The name Percy gained prominence through the powerful and influential Percys, a noble Anglo-Norman family who were barons of Northumberland. They played significant roles in English history, notably through their support of King Henry II's son, the future King Richard I, better known as 'Richard the Lionheart'. The surname Percy is still associated with this historic family, with the Duke of Northumberland holding the title as part of his family lineage today.
The name Percy experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century and a half, with peaks occurring during wartime years and periods of heightened societal influence for names beginning with 'P'. The name's usage has been fairly consistent since the late 19th century, ranging from a low of 5 births per year to a high of 20. However, there is a notable decline in its popularity starting from the mid-20th century onwards, with only sporadic years showing higher birth counts after 1967. Despite this trend, Percy remains a classic name choice that continues to be used today, as seen by recent births in 2014, 2016, and 2019-2023.