"bold counsel, brave advisor"
Origin: Germanic
Language: German
Kurt
Pronunciation: [ k-ERT ]
Does Kurt flow with your last name?
One syllable of raw, unvarnished strength
German
Austrian
Swiss
American
Scandinavian
Strong
Minimalist
Bold
Vintage
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strong association with Kurt Cobain and his 1994 suicide — may evoke tragic legacy
The Story of Kurt
Kurt is a German short form of Konrad (also Conrad), derived from Old High German 'kuoni' (bold, brave, experienced) and 'rad' (counsel, advice), meaning 'bold counsel' or 'brave advisor'. It has been used as a standalone name in German-speaking Europe for centuries. The name is lean and direct — a single syllable carrying the full weight of the Germanic naming tradition.
Kurt was most popular in the US in the 1950s-70s, associated with a rugged, unpretentious American masculinity. Kurt Cobain's impact in the 1990s gave it an artistic, countercultural edge that still resonates, though his death gave it a melancholic undertone for some.
In German-speaking countries, Kurt has been a solid, working-class name used by writers, politicians, and artists. In American culture, Kurt is indelibly associated with Kurt Cobain, the voice of a generation who defined 1990s rock music.
Historical Record
Kurt first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 80,502 babies have been named Kurt in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kurt is past its peak , currently ranked #2,102 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Kurt Cobain (1967-1994) was named after his uncle, keeping the name in the family for at least two generations before his birth
- Kurt Vonnegut and Kurt Cobain, though from different generations, both made 'Kurt' synonymous with American artistic rebellion
Kurt in Other Languages
Danish
Kurt
German
Kurt
Polish
Konrad (full form)
Swedish
Kurt
Norwegian
Kurt
Popularity Over Time
#2,102
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1964
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kurt
K
Kurt Cobain
Musician
1967
American singer-guitarist who fronted Nirvana and defined the grunge movement; his album 'Nevermind' (1991) transformed ...
American singer-guitarist who fronted Nirvana and defined the grunge movement; his album 'Nevermind' (1991) transformed rock music
K
Kurt Russell
Actor
1951
American actor known for action films including Escape from New York, The Thing, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
K
Kurt Vonnegut
Writer
1922
American novelist and satirist, author of 'Slaughterhouse-Five' and one of the 20th century's most distinctive literary ...
American novelist and satirist, author of 'Slaughterhouse-Five' and one of the 20th century's most distinctive literary voices
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #2,102
- Total SSA Count
- 71
- Cultural Origins
- German Austrian Swiss American Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kurt
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Kurt is also used as a girl name, ranked #64321.
View Kurt as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kurt
What does the name Kurt mean?
"bold counsel, brave advisor" (from Germanic). Kurt is a German short form of Konrad (also Conrad), derived from Old High German 'kuoni' (bold, brave, experienced) and 'rad' (counsel, advice), meaning 'bold counsel' or 'brave advisor'. It has been used as a standalone name in German-speaking Europe for centuries. The name is lean and direct — a single syllable carrying the full weight of the Germanic naming tradition.
What is the origin of the name Kurt?
Kurt has Germanic, German, Austrian, Swiss, American, and Scandinavian origins. In Germanic, it means "bold counsel, brave advisor".
Is Kurt a boy or girl name?
Kurt is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2102. As a girl name, it is ranked #64321. Kurt is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Kurt?
Kurt is pronounced k-ERT.
How popular is the name Kurt?
Kurt is currently ranked #2102 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Kurt?
Popular middle name pairings include Kurt Allen, Kurt Douglas, Kurt James, Kurt Lee, Kurt Wayne, and Kurt Thomas.
What are good sibling names for Kurt?
Names that pair well with Kurt as siblings include Klaus, Dieter, Greta, Heidi, Hank, and Burt.
How many syllables does Kurt have?
Kurt has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kurt a common or rare name?
Kurt is an uncommon name, ranked #2102 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Kurt?
Are there other spellings for Kurt?
Related spellings include Kurtis.
About the Name Kurt
Kurt is a boy name with German, Austrian, Swiss, American, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "bold counsel, brave advisor" in Germanic .
Is Kurt a boy or girl name? Kurt is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,102 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #64,321. Kurt is more commonly used as a boy name.
Kurt is currently ranked #2,102 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Kurt has 1 syllable and is pronounced k-ERT, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Kurt include Kurtis . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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