Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Curtis
BoyFrench, English· “courteous”
- Meaning
- courteous
- Origin
- French, English
- Pronunciation
- KUR-tuhs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #985
- US babies 2025
- 232
- Best rank
- #72 (1963)
- Peak year
- 1962
Meaning and origin of Curtis
Curtis is a French and English name that means “courteous”.
Curtis comes from a surname derived from the Old French curteis, "courteous" or "polite", a word that described someone of refined manners. The surname developed in medieval England and later became a given name, especially in the United States in the twentieth century. Musician Curtis Mayfield, known for soul classics, and actor Tony Curtis, who used it as a stage surname, are well-known bearers. The name feels friendly, dependable and slightly retro. Curt is the natural nickname, and the name pairs well with both classic and modern middle names.
Popularity over time
Curtis has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #72 in 1963, and the most babies received it in 1962, when 5,569 were named Curtis. In 2025, 232 babies were named Curtis, and it ranked #985 nationally. That is 57% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #120 in 1920, #97 in 1950, #89 in 1980, #265 in 2000, #424 in 2010, and #985 in 2025. Of the 260,554 US boys named Curtis since records began, 18% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 46,324 babies. Since 2010, 7,041 more have been named Curtis.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Greg, Darryl, Martin, Vincent, and Dean.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Curtis ranked highest in Mississippi, Idaho, and Connecticut.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #377 | 8 |
| Idaho | #385 | 6 |
| Connecticut | #453 | 6 |
| Nevada | #460 | 6 |
| Louisiana | #544 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Curtis is usually pronounced KUR-tuhs, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with C and ends in “-is”.
Middle names for Curtis
A few middle names that flow with Curtis: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Curtis
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Lists that include Curtis
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Curtis mean?
Curtis is a French and English name that means “courteous”.
What is the origin of the name Curtis?
Curtis has French and English roots. Curtis comes from a surname derived from the Old French curteis, "courteous" or "polite", a word that described someone of refined manners.
Is Curtis a popular name?
Yes. Curtis ranked #985 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Curtis a boy or girl name?
Curtis is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Curtis?
Curtis is usually pronounced KUR-tuhs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings