Curtis
Curtis: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkɝtɪs/ · /ˈkɜːtɪs/
Meaning and origin of Curtis
Root meaning: “polite, courteous”
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
Etymology
From Old French corteis and curteis (Modern French courtois (“polite, courteous”). Doublet of courteous.
How popular is Curtis?
Since 1880, 2,322 girls and 260,554 boys in the U.S. have been named Curtis (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1084 in 1902. Its highest rank for boys was #72 in 1963. In 2025 it ranked #985 for boys, with 232 babies given the name.
Names similar to Curtis
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More French boy names
Sibling name ideas for Curtis
Sister and brother names that share Curtis's French roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Curtis FAQ
What does the name Curtis mean?
Curtis traces back to a root meaning "polite, courteous". A male given name transferred from the surname. From Old French corteis and curteis (Modern French courtois (“polite, courteous”). Doublet of courteous.
What is the origin of the name Curtis?
Curtis is listed as a name of French origin.
How popular is the name Curtis?
Since 1880, 2,322 girls and 260,554 boys in the U.S. have been named Curtis (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1084 in 1902. Its highest rank for boys was #72 in 1963. In 2025 it ranked #985 for boys, with 232 babies given the name.
Is Curtis a boy or girl name?
Curtis is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 2,322 girls and 260,554 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.