Curtiss

“meaning 'courteous' or 'polite'”

USA origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#12420US 2020

5Births / yr

↓Falling

5.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 189600.01% of births at peak

What does Curtiss mean and where does it come from?

Curtiss is a variation of the name Curtis, which is derived from the Old French 'curteiz', meaning courteous or polite. The name has been relatively popular in the United States since the 20th century. Notable figures include aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss.

Cultural significance

Curtiss has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in USA-speaking communities, where it reflects values of meaning 'courteous' or 'polite'.

Peak popularity

Reached #675 in 1943 — currently #12420 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Curtiss?

Curtiss works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Curtiss Grace

How popular is Curtiss right now?

Falling — down 5927 spots — currently #12420 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1910–2020#12420 · Top 9.2%

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2020

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2020	#11974	5	▼ down 5927 · -64% births
2010	#6047	14	▲ up 3115 · +100% births
2005	#9162	7	▼ down 3846 · -46% births
2000	#5316	13	▼ down 491 · +8% births
1995	#4825	12	▼ down 2607 · -62% births
1990	#2218	32	▼ down 537 · -14% births
1985	#1681	37	▼ down 112 · -3% births
1980	#1569	38	▼ down 217 · -10% births
1975	#1352	42	▼ down 418 · -42% births
1970	#934	73	▲ up 100 · +43% births
1965	#1034	51	▼ down 222 · -43% births
1960	#812	89	▼ down 108 · -18% births
1955	#704	109	▲ up 107 · +54% births
1950	#811	71	▼ down 87 · -1% births
1945	#724	72	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Curtiss

Best Year1955Rank #704

Peak Count109

Average Rank#2561

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1910 - 202022 years

The story of Curtiss

Curtiss has been a beloved American name for over 128 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1896. With 5,068 total births recorded, Curtiss remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1292 in 1910, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11974 in 2020.

Names that peaked alongside Curtiss in 1943:

James Robert John William Richard

Curtiss by decade

Curtiss peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	6
1900s	16
1910s	236
1920s	475
1930s	586
1940s	781
1950s ★	948
1960s	791
1970s	462
1980s	379
1990s	232
2000s	94
2010s	57
2020s	5

💎With 5,068 total births, Curtiss is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Curtiss?

Common

CurCuUrtiss

What names sound and feel like Curtiss?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Curtiss also consider these

Curtis

American · English

Kurtiss

American · courteous, polite, kind

International · A International name

Curits

American · from the courtyard

Corliss

American · From the dark

Carliss

American · A beloved name

Common questions about the name Curtiss

What does the name Curtiss mean?

Curtiss means "meaning 'courteous' or 'polite'" — a name rooted in USA 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 Curtiss?

Curtiss is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Curtiss?

Curtiss originates from USA tradition. USA names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Curtiss a common or rare name?

Curtiss is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

What are good nicknames for Curtiss?

Curtiss naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.