What does Curtis mean and where does it come from?
Curtis has historically been a masculine name but has seen usage as a female name, especially in the United States. The name has been used since the Middle Ages and can often reflect a dignified or noble character. Notable individuals with the surname Curtis include famous American actor Tony Curtis
Cultural significance
Curtis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #1089 in 1902 — currently #902 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Curtis?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Curtis?
Curtis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Curtis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Curtis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Curtis Mae
Sweet · timeless
Curtis Claire
French influence · crisp
Curtis Jane
Literary · strong
Curtis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Curtis right now?
Falling — down 78 spots — currently #902 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #902 | 257 | ▼ down 78 · -15% births |
| 2022 | #824 | 301 | ▼ down 45 · -5% births |
| 2021 | #779 | 317 | ▲ up 14268 · +6240% births |
| 2000 | #15047 | 5 | ▼ down 3244 · -17% births |
| 1995 | #11803 | 6 | ▼ down 6509 · -65% births |
| 1990 | #5294 | 17 | ▼ down 2047 · -37% births |
| 1985 | #3247 | 27 | ▼ down 31 · +4% births |
| 1980 | #3216 | 26 | ▲ up 939 · +73% births |
| 1975 | #4155 | 15 | ▼ down 1629 · -48% births |
| 1970 | #2526 | 29 | ▼ down 695 · -26% births |
| 1965 | #1831 | 39 | ▼ down 82 · -7% births |
| 1960 | #1749 | 42 | ▼ down 51 · +14% births |
| 1955 | #1698 | 37 | ▲ up 428 · +76% births |
| 1950 | #2126 | 21 | ▼ down 603 · -28% births |
| 1945 | #1523 | 29 | — |
The story of Curtis
Curtis has been a beloved American name for over 130 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1894. More than 261,463 babies have been named Curtis since 1894. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1252 in 1900 to #902 in 2023. Curtis is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Curtis in 1902:
Curtis by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 695 | |
| 1890s | 947 | |
| 1900s | 1,765 | |
| 1910s | 9,114 | |
| 1920s | 16,447 | |
| 1930s | 18,261 | |
| 1940s | 26,277 | |
| 1950s | 46,630 | |
| 1960s ★ | 47,557 | |
| 1970s | 29,056 | |
| 1980s | 30,155 | |
| 1990s | 19,247 | |
| 2000s | 9,650 | |
| 2010s | 5,305 | |
| 2020s | 357 | |
What are good nicknames for Curtis?
What names sound and feel like Curtis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Curtis also consider these
How is Curtis written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Curtis
What does the name Curtis mean?
Curtis means "English" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Curtis?
Curtis is currently ranked #902 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Curtis?
Curtis originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Curtis?
Curtis is a two-syllable name pronounced K ER1 T AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Curtis a common or rare name?
Curtis is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.