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Curtis Name Meaning, Origins & History

Curtis

Pronunciation: KUR-tis

Meaning Polite, courteous Origin surnames Gender Boy
BOYS RANK
#985
TREND
58
Peak Years
1962, 1959, 1961
Lowest Years
1883, 1887, 1891
Energy Archetype
Cheerful & Expressive

Rank shows the name’s position among U.S. baby names for each gender in 2025. Trend shows how many places it rose or fell since 2024. Rank 1 is the most popular. Based on U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) data. Peak and lowest years are based on the number of boys named Curtis in the available records.

Fun Facts About the Name Curtis

  • A favorite of earlier generations: Curtis appeared in the U.S. top 100 in 5 separate runs, totaling 46 years. Its last run lasted 5 consecutive years, from 1983 through 1987.
  • More than 262 thousand babies named Curtis: U.S. records list 262,868 babies given the name Curtis from 1880 through 2025. Even 2,322 girls received the name Curtis - about 1 girl for every 112 boys.

What Does the Name Curtis Mean?

Curtis is an English surname and given name of Old French origin. Its established meaning is 'courteous' or 'courtly,' from the Old French adjective curteis (also spelled cortois), which described the refined manners associated with a noble court. That adjective came from Old French cort, 'court,' from Latin cohors, cohortem, 'enclosure, retinue, court,' with the suffix -eis (from Latin -ensis) giving the sense 'of the court.' In medieval England the word was borrowed as curteis and used both as an adjective and as a surname. The surname probably began as a nickname for someone who was courteous or who served in a courtly household. The given name Curtis is derived from that surname, not directly from the French adjective.

Curtis Name History & Origins

The surname Curtis arose in England after the Norman Conquest, when Old French words entered English speech. Medieval spellings include Curteis, Curtays, and Corteys, alongside the later Curtis. Like many English surnames formed from nicknames, it originally identified a person by a quality - here, courtly manners - rather than by a father's name or a place. The name traveled with English settlers to North America and other English-speaking regions. In Ireland, Curtis has also been used as an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Mac Coitir, which is a separate development from the English surname. As a first name, Curtis belongs to the broad English custom of using surnames as given names; it is now established as a male given name in the United States, Canada, Britain, and Australia.

How Popular is the Name Curtis?

Curtis has a rich multi-era history in the U.S. top 100, spanning 46 total years and enjoying its modern revival from 1983 to 1987.

U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.

Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.

Explore Name Lists Featuring Curtis

Carl appears in several baby name collections based on U.S. popularity records, naming trends, and name characteristics. Explore these lists to discover other names with similar histories, styles, or features.

Past Favorite Boy Names

Past Favorite Boy Names: Once-Popular Names

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How the Name Curtis Shapes Your Personality and Life?

You are cheerful and friendly, but are apt to have an emotional life. You like to have several lines of effort going at once. You are a good talker and promoter and seldom worry over anything. At times, you can be impatient, and impulsive. You have the ability to bring an idea to completion. You can express yourself joyously and constructively. You might be psychic, but not know it. Emergencies may raise your intuitive abilities in order to resolve conflict or situation. You become very creative under the pressure, and have quite original ideas to make the best out of it.

You desire to inspire and lead, to control other's affairs. You are giving, courageous and bold, action oriented,energetic and strong willed. You want to make a difference in the world, and this attitude often attracts you to cultural interests, politics, social issues, and the cultivation of your creative talents.

✦ Curtis's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Curtis's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.
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