"courteous, well-bred"
Origin: Old French
Language: English
Curtis
Pronunciation: [ k-ERT-uhs ]
Does Curtis flow with your last name?
A courtly classic with deep roots in American music
English
American
Classic
Strong
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Vintage
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Curtis
Curtis derives from the Old French 'curteis' or 'corteis,' meaning 'courteous' or 'well-bred' — describing someone with refined manners fitting for a royal court. The word traces to 'cort' (court) plus '-eis' (a suffix indicating character). It came to England with the Norman Conquest and was used as both a surname and given name throughout the Middle Ages. By the 20th century it became a popular American given name.
Curtis peaked in popularity in the US between the 1940s and 1970s, particularly within African-American communities. By the 2000s, it had faded from fashion, though it retains a strong nostalgic following and a sense of dignified cool through iconic musicians who bore the name.
Curtis has deep roots in 20th-century American culture, associated with R&B, soul, and funk music legends. Curtis Mayfield is one of the most influential musicians in American history. The name projects strength and dignity.
Historical Record
Curtis first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 187,943 babies have been named Curtis in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Curtis is past its peak , currently ranked #929 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Curtis Mayfield, the soul and funk legend, wrote 'People Get Ready' and 'Superfly'
- 50 Cent's real name is Curtis James Jackson III
- The name was a top-100 name in the US from the 1940s through the 1970s
Curtis in Other Languages
French
Curtis
German
Curtis
Italian
Curtis
Spanish
Curtis
Popularity Over Time
#929
Current Rank
Peaked 1963
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Curtis
C
Curtis Jackson (50 Cent)
Musician
1975
American rapper, actor, and entrepreneur known as 50 Cent
C
Curtis Mayfield
Musician
1942
Legendary American soul and funk musician, civil rights advocate, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #929
- Total SSA Count
- 249
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Curt
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Curtis
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Curtis is also used as a girl name, ranked #70902.
View Curtis as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Curtis
What does the name Curtis mean?
"courteous, well-bred" (from Old French). Curtis derives from the Old French 'curteis' or 'corteis,' meaning 'courteous' or 'well-bred' — describing someone with refined manners fitting for a royal court. The word traces to 'cort' (court) plus '-eis' (a suffix indicating character). It came to England with the Norman Conquest and was used as both a surname and given name throughout the Middle Ages. By the 20th century it became a popular American given name.
What is the origin of the name Curtis?
Curtis has Old French, English, and American origins. In Old French, it means "courteous, well-bred".
Is Curtis a boy or girl name?
Curtis is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #929. As a girl name, it is ranked #70902. Curtis is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Curtis?
Curtis is pronounced k-ERT-uhs.
How popular is the name Curtis?
Curtis is currently ranked #929 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Curtis?
Common nicknames for Curtis include Curt.
What are good middle names for Curtis?
Popular middle name pairings include Curtis James, Curtis Lee, Curtis Wayne, Curtis Alan, Curtis Ray, and Curtis Paul.
What are good sibling names for Curtis?
Names that pair well with Curtis as siblings include Dennis, Gary, Karen, Tammy, Brian, and Diane.
How many syllables does Curtis have?
Curtis has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Curtis a common or rare name?
Curtis is moderately common, ranked #929 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Curtis
Curtis is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "courteous, well-bred" in Old French .
Is Curtis a boy or girl name? Curtis is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #929 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #70,902. Curtis is more commonly used as a boy name.
Curtis is currently ranked #929 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Curtis has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-ERT-uhs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Curtis include Curt. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis