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

Languages: This boy's name is used in English.

Nicknames: Curt

Alternative Spellings: Curtice, Curtiss and Kurtis

Popularity: The name Curtis ranked 284th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics and 112th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

This name is highly rated in the 1990 U.S. Census popularity survey of all ages, but after 1960 does not appear in the state data listing the most popular baby names.

Narrative: This name was imported to England by the French-speaking Normans of 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.

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

Variant Forms: Curtisa

Popularity: The name Curtis ranked 4078th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name appears on the 1990 U.S. Census lists, it is used by only a small percentage of the general population.

This name is usually reserved for males. To some extent, it may owe its position on the US Census popularity list to incorrectly filled-out census forms.

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.