What does Kurt mean and where does it come from?
The name Kurt is primarily masculine in origin and is derived from German and Scandinavian languages. The name gained popularity in the early 20th century, especially in German-speaking countries and among German communities in the United States. Although often used for boys, it has been adopted as
Cultural significance
Kurt has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a short form of konrad, meaning 'bold counselor'..
Peak popularity
Reached #3780 in 1965 — currently #1344 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kurt?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kurt?
Kurt works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kurt Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kurt Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kurt Claire
French influence · crisp
Kurt Jane
Literary · strong
Kurt Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kurt right now?
Holding steady — currently #1344 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1344 | 856 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1349 | 836 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1354 | 806 | ▲ up 7049 · +11414% births |
| 1985 | #8403 | 7 | ▲ up 2112 · +40% births |
| 1980 | #10515 | 5 | ▼ down 3365 · -17% births |
| 1970 | #7150 | 6 | ▼ down 3370 · -50% births |
| 1965 | #3780 | 12 | ▲ up 1070 · +50% births |
| 1960 | #4850 | 8 | — |
The story of Kurt
Kurt entered American naming records in 1958 and has been in use for over 66 years. A total of 85,728 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4850 in 1960 to #1344 in 2023. Kurt is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Kurt in 1965:
Kurt by decade
Kurt peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 21 | |
| 1900s | 17 | |
| 1910s | 263 | |
| 1920s | 462 | |
| 1930s | 940 | |
| 1940s | 3,597 | |
| 1950s | 18,653 | |
| 1960s ★ | 28,299 | |
| 1970s | 13,721 | |
| 1980s | 10,741 | |
| 1990s | 5,693 | |
| 2000s | 2,134 | |
| 2010s | 1,096 | |
| 2020s | 91 | |
What are good nicknames for Kurt?
Famous people named Kurt
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Kurt (Norse explorer)
Kurt carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
K(
Kurt (Scandinavian royal)
Kurt held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
K(
Kurt (Germanic saint)
Kurt spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
K(
Kurt (medieval German ruler)
Kurt bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Kurt?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kurt also consider these
How is Kurt written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Kurt
What does the name Kurt mean?
Kurt means "A short form of Konrad, meaning 'bold counselor'." — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Kurt?
Kurt is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Kurt?
Kurt originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Kurt?
Kurt is a one-syllable name pronounced K ER1 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Kurt sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Kurt flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Kurt ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.