Curtis is a name of Anglo-Norman origin that has been used for centuries. The name derives from the Old French curteis, which means “polite, courteous, or well-bred.” It is a compound of curt, meaning “court,” and -eis, meaning “-ish.” The name has been used as both a given name and a surname.
The name Curtis was originally a surname that was given to people who were considered refined or courteous. Over time, it became a popular given name, particularly in English-speaking countries. Today, the name Curtis is still popular, and it is often given to boys. If you are considering naming your child Curtis, it is worth knowing the name’s history and meaning to help you make an informed decision.
Curtis Name Origin
The Curtis name is of English origin and is derived from the Old French word “curteis,” meaning refined or accomplished. The surname was likely given to someone who was considered to be courteous or polite.
According to HouseOfNames, the name can also be traced back to Anglo-Norman and Latin origins. William de Curtis was of Normandy in 1180, and Robert Curteis gave lands to Gloucester Abbey during the reign of Rufus. William le Curteis was a benefactor to West Dereham Abbey in Norfolk during the reign of Henry II.
The surname Curtis is also found in French records, where it is spelled “Courtois.” This surname was likely brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066.
Today, the Curtis surname is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and Canada. It is also a popular given name for boys in these countries.
Overall, the Curtis name has a rich history with roots in several languages and cultures. Its meaning of “courteous” or “refined” reflects the values of politeness and respect that have been valued throughout history.
Meaning of Curtis
Curtis is a name of Anglo-Norman origin, derived from the Old French word “curteis” (Modern French “courtois”) meaning “polite, courteous, or well-bred”. The name is a compound of “curt-” meaning “court” and “-eis” meaning “-ish”.
The name Curtis is primarily a male name of Latin origin that means “courteous, courtly”. It is a name that conveys a sense of refinement and nobility, as well as a polite and well-bred demeanor.
Curtis is a name that has been used for centuries and has been borne by many notable figures throughout history. It has been a popular name in the United States since the early 20th century, and it continues to be a popular choice for parents today.
Overall, the name Curtis is a great choice for parents who are looking for a name that is both classic and timeless, as well as one that conveys a sense of politeness and refinement.
Popularity and Ranking of Curtis
Curtis has been a popular name choice for baby boys in the United States for many years. According to behindthename.com, Curtis was in the top 200 most popular names for boys in the US for most of the 20th century. However, its popularity has declined in recent years.
In 2021, Curtis ranked #778 in popularity among baby boy names in the United States, with only 0.017% of babies given this name. This is a significant drop from its peak in the 1970s, when it was consistently in the top 100 names for boys.
Here is a table showing the ranking of Curtis in the United States over the past few years:
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 778 |
| 2020 | 703 |
| 2019 | 668 |
| 2018 | 614 |
| 2017 | 611 |
| 2016 | 563 |
As you can see, the popularity of Curtis has remained relatively consistent over the past few years, hovering around the 600-700 range in terms of ranking.
While Curtis is no longer a top 100 name for boys in the US, it still remains a popular choice among parents who are looking for a classic and timeless name for their baby boy.
Curtis as a Surname
Curtis is a common English surname with Anglo-Norman origin. It derives from the Old French word “curteis,” meaning refined or accomplished. The name was originally given as a nickname to a man of good education.
According to the Dictionary of American Family Names, the Curtis surname is a nickname for a refined person, sometimes given ironically. The nickname was derived from Middle English and Old French words “courteis,” “courtois,” and “curtis,” meaning courtly, refined, or urbane.
The Curtis family history can be traced back to Normandy in 1180, where William de Curtis lived. Robert Curteis also gave lands to Gloucester Abbey during the reign of Rufus. William le Curteis lived during the 13th century in Sussex, England.
The Curtis family crest features a red shield with three gold lions passant guardant. The crest symbolizes courage, strength, and royalty.
Over time, the Curtis surname has undergone various spelling variations, including Curtiss, Curtice, and Courtois. These variations are often the result of phonetic spelling changes.
Today, the Curtis surname is found worldwide, with notable individuals such as Tony Curtis, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Cliff Curtis. The name has also been used as a first name for both boys and girls.
Famous People Named Curtis
The name Curtis has been used by numerous notable figures throughout history. Here are some of the most well-known individuals with the name:
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Curtis Mayfield: An American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for his work in the soul and funk genres and is considered to be one of the most influential musicians of his time.
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Jamie Lee Curtis: An American actress and author. She is known for her roles in horror films such as Halloween and Prom Night, as well as her work in comedies like A Fish Called Wanda.
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Lee Curtis: An American former professional basketball player. He played for the NBA’s New Jersey Nets from 1978 to 1981 and was known for his strong defense and rebounding skills.
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Curtis Stone: An Australian celebrity chef and television personality. He has appeared on numerous cooking shows, including Top Chef Masters and America’s Next Great Restaurant, and has written several cookbooks.
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Tony Curtis: An American actor whose career spanned over six decades. He appeared in more than 100 films, including Some Like It Hot and The Defiant Ones, and was known for his good looks and charming personality.
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Curtis Sliwa: An American radio host and political activist. He is best known for founding the Guardian Angels, a volunteer organization that patrols the streets of New York City to prevent crime.
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Curtis Stigers: An American jazz vocalist and saxophonist. He is known for his hit songs “I Wonder Why” and “You’re All That Matters to Me,” and has released several successful albums over the course of his career.
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Curtis Emerson LeMay: An American Air Force general who served as the vice presidential running mate of George Wallace in the 1968 United States presidential election. He was known for his controversial tactics during World War II and the Cold War.
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Curtis Hanson: An American film director and screenwriter. He is known for his work on films such as L.A. Confidential and 8 Mile, and won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for his work on the film adaptation of James Ellroy’s novel of the same name.
Curtis in the Arts and Entertainment
The name Curtis has been popular in the entertainment industry for decades. Many famous actors, actresses, and directors bear this name, including Tony Curtis, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Curtis Hanson. Tony Curtis was a prominent actor in the 20th century, known for his roles in movies such as “Some Like It Hot” and “The Defiant Ones.” Jamie Lee Curtis is also a well-known actress, famous for her roles in the horror movie “Halloween” and the comedy movie “Freaky Friday.”
Curtis Hanson was a director and producer in the film industry, known for his work on movies such as “L.A. Confidential” and “8 Mile.” He won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for “L.A. Confidential” in 1998.
Curtis has also been a popular name in the world of American football. Curtis Conway was a wide receiver who played for several teams, including the Chicago Bears and the San Diego Chargers. He was known for his speed and agility on the field.
In addition to these famous people, there are many other individuals in the arts and entertainment industry who bear the name Curtis. From actors and actresses to directors and producers, the name has been a popular choice for parents looking to give their child a strong and memorable name.
Curtis as a Fictional Characters’ Name
The name Curtis has been used in various forms of media as a character name. Here are some of the notable fictional characters named Curtis:
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Curtis Manning: A character in the TV series “24” who works for the Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU). He is portrayed as a loyal and dedicated agent who often goes beyond the call of duty to protect his country.
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Curtis Donovan: A character in the British TV series “Misfits”. He has the power to change his gender and is portrayed as a sarcastic and rebellious teenager.
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Curtis Holt: A character in the TV series “Arrow”. He is also known as Mr. Terrific and is portrayed as a brilliant and skilled inventor who helps the main character, Oliver Queen, in his fight against crime.
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Darrel “Darry” Curtis: A character in the novel “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton. He is the oldest of three brothers and is portrayed as a responsible and caring person who tries to keep his family together.
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Jackson Curtis: A character in the movie “2012”. He is portrayed as a struggling writer who becomes a hero in the face of a global disaster.
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Curtis Wilkins: A character in the comic strip “Curtis”. He is portrayed as a mischievous and energetic African-American boy who loves to play basketball and dreams of becoming a rapper.
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Stargate Universe: A character in the TV series “Stargate Universe”. He is portrayed as a young and inexperienced member of a team of scientists who are stranded on a spaceship.
These characters show the versatility of the name Curtis and how it can be used to portray a wide range of personalities and traits.
Variations and Similar Names to Curtis
Curtis is a versatile name that has several variations and similar names across different cultures. Here are some of them:
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Curteis: This is the Old French version of the name Curtis. It means “polite, courteous, or well-bred” and is derived from the Spanish name Cortés and the Portuguese and Galician name Cardoso. The name was popularized by the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
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Kurtis: This is a variation of the name Curtis that is more commonly used in the United States. It has the same meaning as Curtis and is of Anglo-Norman origin.
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Benjamin: Benjamin is a Hebrew name that means “son of the right hand.” It is a popular name in the United States and is often used as a middle name with Curtis.
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Ava: Ava is a Latin name that means “life” or “bird.” It is a popular girl’s name and is often paired with Curtis as a middle name.
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Boy’s name: Curtis is primarily a boy’s name, although it has been used as a girl’s name in some instances.
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Spanish: The name Curtis is derived from the Spanish name Cortés, which means “courteous” or “polite.”
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Hungarian immigrants: Curtis is a popular name among Hungarian immigrants in the United States.
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Kertész: Kertész is a Hungarian name that means “gardener.” It is a similar name to Curtis and is often used as a middle name.
Overall, Curtis is a versatile name with several variations and similar names across different cultures. It has a rich history and meaning, making it a great choice for parents looking for a strong and classic name for their child.
Curtis Name in Different Parts of the World
The name Curtis is an English surname that originated from the Old French word “curteis,” meaning refined or accomplished. Today, the name is commonly used as both a first and last name in different parts of the world.
England and Wales
According to Ancestry.com, the Curtis family name first arrived in England following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name is still prevalent in England and Wales today, with over 40,000 people in England and over 3,000 people in Wales having the surname Curtis.
United States
In the United States, the name Curtis is a popular given name for boys. It was most popular in the 1960s and 1970s, but it still remains a popular choice for parents today. According to BehindTheName.com, Curtis is ranked as the 325th most popular name for boys in the United States.
Community
The name Curtis has also been associated with various communities around the world. In the United Kingdom, the Curtis family has been associated with the town of Devizes in Wiltshire. In the United States, the Curtis family has been associated with the town of Curtis, Nebraska, which was named after a Union Pacific Railroad executive.
Strong and Strange
The name Curtis has been associated with several strong and strange personalities throughout history. One notable example is Tony Curtis, an American actor who starred in over 100 films during his career. Another example is Curtis Stone, an Australian celebrity chef and television personality.
Surnames
The name Curtis is also commonly used as a surname. In addition to the English and Welsh origins of the name, the name Curtis is also found in other parts of the world. For example, it is a common surname in Ireland and Italy.
In conclusion, the name Curtis has a rich history and is used in various parts of the world. Whether as a first or last name, the name has been associated with many notable individuals and communities.
Curtis Name in Modern Culture
The name Curtis has been a popular name in modern culture, appearing in various forms of media. Here are some notable mentions:
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50 Cent: Curtis James Jackson III, better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is a well-known rapper, actor, and producer. He adopted his stage name from the fact that he grew up in the neighborhood of South Jamaica, Queens on 50th Street and 8th Avenue. He has sold over 30 million records worldwide and won several awards, including a Grammy Award.
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Andrew: Andrew Curtis is a British television producer and director who has worked on popular shows such as Top Gear and The Grand Tour.
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Cortez: The name Cortez is a variation of Curtis. It is famously associated with Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire.
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Alan Curtis: Alan Curtis was an American actor who appeared in over 50 films during the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his roles in films such as The Sea Wolf and High Sierra.
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Andrew Curtis: Andrew Curtis is a British television producer and director who has worked on popular shows such as Top Gear and The Grand Tour.
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Chet Curtis: Chet Curtis was an American journalist and news anchor who worked for several television stations, including WCVB-TV in Boston.
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Ian Curtis: Ian Curtis was the lead singer of the British post-punk band Joy Division. He was known for his distinctive baritone voice and his energetic performances.
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John Curtis: John Curtis is an American politician who currently serves as the Representative for Louisiana’s 1st congressional district.
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Mark Curtis: Mark Curtis is a British journalist and television presenter who has worked for several news organizations, including the BBC and ITV.
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Baby: The name Curtis has been used as a given name for several fictional characters in popular culture, including Baby Curtis from the television show General Hospital.
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Simple: The name Curtis has also been used as a surname for several fictional characters, including Simple Curtis from the novel Simple’s Uncle Sam by Langston Hughes.
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Sun: The name Curtis has been used in the titles of several songs, including “Curtis” by DRAM and “Curtis Loew” by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
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Gold: Curtis is also the name of a character from the popular video game series Pokemon. Gold’s rival in the game is named Silver, which is another variation of the name Curtis.