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Curtis

♂ Boy

Pronounced KUR-tis /ˈkɜːr.tɪs/High

Meaning: From Old French curteis meaning courteous, polite, or well-bred, derived from curt meaning court; originally a descriptive surname for a person of refined mannersHigh

In 30 seconds: Curtis is a distinguished Old French name meaning courteous and well-bred. A solid mid-century classic, it projects good manners and confidence and has maintained steady use across generations in both white and Black American communities.
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Origin HighFrench, English
MeaningFrom Old French curteis meaning courteous, polite, or well-bred, derived from curt meaning court; originally a descriptive surname for a person of refined manners
U.S. rank (2025)#985 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births232 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1962
Total births (all-time)≈ 260,546

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196218802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Curtis derives from Old French curteis, a descriptor for someone who lived or worked at court and was therefore expected to exhibit refined manners. It entered England through the Norman Conquest and became both a surname and given name.

Curtis has been a popular given name in the United States since the early 20th century, associated with both working-class respectability and creative excellence. It has particular resonance in African American culture through figures like Curtis Mayfield.

Did you know? Curtis is also the surname of Tony Curtis (born Bernard Schwartz, 1925–2010), the Hollywood actor famous for Some Like It Hot (1959), and of Curtis Mayfield (1942–1999), the influential soul and funk musician and civil rights activist.
Overall data confidence 92%
Behind the Name — Curtis — Old French etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

CurtissKurt

Nicknames

CurtCuz

Famous Bearers

  • ★Curtis Mayfield (1942–1999)
    American soul and funk musician, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the lead singer of The Impressions and for his soundtrack to the film Super Fly (1972). He was a significant figure in the Civil Rights Movement.

If you like Curtis…

Jerome— shares the strong two-syllable classic with cross-cultural American mid-century feel
Darnell— same dignified African American classic masculine name register
Leon— shares the vintage American classic with a confident two-syllable character
Marcus— same solid Latin-rooted two-syllable masculine name with enduring appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Curtis mean?

Curtis means courteous or well-bred from Old French curteis, originally describing someone with the refined manners expected at a royal court.

How do you pronounce Curtis?

It is said KUR-tis, with two syllables and stress on the first.

Is Curtis an old-fashioned name?

Curtis peaked in the mid-20th century and has a classic, understated character. It remains in steady use and is not considered old-fashioned by most.

Who is Curtis Mayfield?

Curtis Mayfield (1942-1999) was an influential American soul musician and civil rights activist, lead singer of The Impressions and composer of the Super Fly soundtrack.