Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Curtis

Curtis is the transferred use of an English surname which originated in medieval times as a nickname for someone who had a good education (from the old French word “curteis” meaning ‘refined, accomplished’). The modern French word “courtois” means ‘courteous’ which is another possible origin of this nickname. As a surname, Curteis first appeared in the 12th century and would later be anglicized to Curtis. As a given name, Curtis has been in use since at least the 19th century. It has been popular among English speaking nations but also France. However, in recent time, Curtis has been dropping in popularity.

All About the Baby Name – Curtis

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME CURTIS

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME CURTIS

Curtis has a very modern sensibility so we were surprised to see how long it’s been in use. The name was already on the Top 150 list at the turn of the 20th century in 1900. The name ascended to the Top 100 list by the 1940s but the real height of his popularity came in the 1960s when on average he ranked #75 in the United States. Curtis has never experienced ϋber-popularity and nauseating trendiness; rather, this is a name that has demonstrated constant, high-moderate appeal for American parents. It’s only right now, as we’ve entered the 21st century, that Curtis is no longer on the modern American radar. Curtis has officially fallen out of style with barely 700 baby boys receiving this ‘courteous’ moniker per year. It’s a bit of a head-scratcher, as rapper 50 Cent might agree. After all, his birth name is Curtis James Jackson III. Curtis is a handsome name with a confident, intelligent quality and cute contemporary appeal. But also retains a 20th century coolness amidst the overly-trendy, sheep-mentality naming fashions of today.

Quick Facts

ON CURTIS

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

476

PRONUNCIATION:

KUR-tis

SIMPLE MEANING:

Refined, accomplished, courteous

Characteristics

OF CURTIS

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Curtis

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME CURTIS

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Curtis

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME CURTIS

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Curtis


Popular Songs

ON CURTIS

The Ballad of Curtis Loew
a song by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Curtis 187
a song by 50 Cent [explicit]

Famous People

NAMED CURTIS

Curtis James Jackson III (aka 50 Cent, rapper)
Curtis Enis (football player)
Curtis Granderson (baseball player)
Curtis Hanson (film director)
Curtis Martin (football player)
Curtis Mayfield (singer/songwriter)
Curtis Strange (golfer)

Children of Famous People

NAMED CURTIS

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Curtis

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME CURTIS

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Curtis