What does Kurtiss mean and where does it come from?
Kurtiss is a variant of the name Curtis, which has English roots. The name is associated with qualities of courtesy and kindness. Popularity surged in the U.S. during the mid-20th century but has declined somewhat in recent decades. Notable figures include Kurtiss Schilling, a former Major League Ba
Cultural significance
Kurtiss has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of courteous, polite, kind.
Peak popularity
Reached #2551 in 1968 — currently #1277 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Kurtiss?
Kurtiss works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kurtiss Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kurtiss Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kurtiss Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kurtiss Claire
French influence · crisp
Kurtiss Jane
Literary · strong
Kurtiss Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kurtiss right now?
Holding steady — currently #1277 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1277 | 923 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1282 | 903 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1287 | 873 | ▲ up 7215 · +17360% births |
| 1990 | #8502 | 5 | ▼ down 3312 · -29% births |
| 1980 | #5190 | 7 | ▼ down 1066 · -12% births |
| 1975 | #4124 | 8 | ▼ down 387 |
| 1970 | #3737 | 8 | ▼ down 986 · -20% births |
| 1965 | #2751 | 10 | ▲ up 553 · +25% births |
| 1960 | #3304 | 8 | ▼ down 736 · -27% births |
| 1955 | #2568 | 11 | — |
The story of Kurtiss
Kurtiss entered American naming records in 1952 and has been in use for over 72 years. With 245 total births recorded, Kurtiss remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2568 in 1955 to #1277 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kurtiss in 1968:
Kurtiss by decade
Kurtiss peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 43 | |
| 1960s ★ | 81 | |
| 1970s | 70 | |
| 1980s | 38 | |
| 1990s | 13 | |
💎Kurtiss has only 245 total recorded births since 1952 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Kurtiss?
What names sound and feel like Kurtiss?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kurtiss also consider these
Common questions about the name Kurtiss
What does the name Kurtiss mean?
Kurtiss means "courteous, polite, kind" — 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 Kurtiss?
Kurtiss is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Kurtiss?
Kurtiss 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.
Is Kurtiss a common or rare name?
Kurtiss is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Kurtiss?
Kurtiss 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.