Boy · 115th of 16,616
Curtis
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
262,636
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1962
Peak Popularity Year
5,603
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Curtis stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
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 Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
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
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
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
Compare 7 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
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
Full popularity table across American generations 13 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |