Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Curtis has its roots in Old French, meaning 'courteous' or 'polite.' It evolved from the surname Curteis and has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages. The name conveys traits of charm and respectability, with no direct biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkɜːrtɪs/
Origin
Old French
Etymology
The name Curtis derives from the Old French word 'curteis,' which means 'courteous' or 'polite.' It was originally used as a surname before becoming a given name.
Meaning
courteous, polite
Language Evolution
Curteis, Curtis
Historical Usage
The name Curtis gained popularity in England during the Middle Ages and has remained in use since then, often associated with nobility and chivalry.
Variants & Derivatives
Curt, Curtie, Curtis
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Curtis is perceived as a classic and somewhat traditional name, often associated with a sense of charm and respectability.
Famous People
Curtis Mayfield, Curtis Hanson, Curtis Jackson (50 Cent)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 5,603 peak births in 1962
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Mississippi
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (7 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 7 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 120th of 7545 | 22,722 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 106th of 6773 | 35,942 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 87th of 7552 | 85,080 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 87th of 10718 | 52,568 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 115th of 16616 | 41,606 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 321st of 24088 | 15,723 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 650th of 23106 | 4,906 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1474th of 9107 | 514 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1499th of 9204 | 497 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1921st of 12526 | 599 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2866th of 19264 | 403 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 5030th of 27321 | 275 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 35406th of 35406 | 5 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
10.81% 153rd/1416 |
15.81% 218th/1379 |
2.83% 67th/2366 |
18.56% 212th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
7.89% 122nd/1546 |
11.18% 174th/1556 |
2.68% 63rd/2353 |
10.67% 165th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
3.77% 84th/2227 |
4.69% 114th/2430 |
2.17% 62nd/2853 |
3.35% 93rd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
2.76% 81st/2937 |
3.73% 130th/3483 |
2.36% 83rd/3518 |
2.60% 105th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
2.69% 99th/3685 |
2.97% 133rd/4475 |
2.18% 113th/5194 |
2.49% 157th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
6.07% 278th/4582 |
6.02% 311th/5164 |
4.03% 295th/7313 |
5.27% 393rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
14.48% 577th/3984 |
16.74% 751st/4487 |
8.78% 599th/6822 |
12.17% 764th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
45.05% 1066th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
59.92% 1410th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
95.69% 2131st/2227 |
- |
59.41% 1695th/2853 |
100.00% 2775th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
100.00% 3483rd/3483 |
100.00% 3518th/3518 |
87.17% 3525th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Mississippi across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Baby Boomers generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 120th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 106th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 87th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 87th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 115th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 321st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 650th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1474th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1499th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1921st out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2866th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5030th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 35406th out of 35406 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.