Meaning: Its source is curteis, an Old French name meaning "Courteous."

Narrative: This name was imported to England by the French-speaking Normans in the 11th century. As the conquerors' language blended with the native tongue to create Middle English, this name came to be interpreted as curt hose (''short stockings'') by the native English, possibly to mock unsuspecting Normans who were known by this name.