Curtis Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Curtis come from? What does the surname Curtis mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Curtis and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Curtis Origin: What does the last name Curtis mean?
The surname Curtis is of Anglo-Norman origin, deriving from the Old French term "curteis," meaning "polite, courteous, or well-bred." This surname has Latin roots, with "cohors" as its source. The name is a compound of "curt-" which means court, and "-eis" which means "-ish." The spelling variation "Curtiss" is also common, and nicknames such as Curt, Curty, and Curtie are associated with this surname. The name Curtis was brought to England via the Norman Conquest and has been in use since the early 14th century. It was especially popular in the United Kingdom in 1996 and the United States in 1963.
YourRoots data shows that the Curtis surname has a strong presence in the United Kingdom since the 14th century. Over time, the surname expanded to the United States, becoming more prevalent in the 17th century and continuing to be popular to this day. The name Curtis has also been adopted by Hungarian immigrants with the last name Kertész due to its similar pronunciation. Today, the Curtis surname can be found in various countries around the world, reflecting its enduring legacy and widespread use across different cultures and regions.
Curtis Last Name History: Where did the last name Curtis come from?
Origin of Curtis Surname: Where does the last name Curtis originate from?
Based on the data from YourRoots, the surname Curtis was first recorded in England, United Kingdom, in the early 14th century. Please take into account that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact spelling "Curtis" and does not include other sources of records or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Curtis: What does the Curtis surname history look like in the early days?
The Curtis surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 14th to the 15th century. However, by the 17th century, the frequency of Curtis family records had grown significantly in the United States. This trend continued through the 18th and 19th centuries, indicating a shift in the prevalence of the Curtis surname from the United Kingdom to the United States.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Curtis surname today?
The Curtis surname remains largely prevalent in the United States, according to the volume of records from the 20th and 21st centuries in the YourRoots database. The Curtis surname can also be found in other countries, though the specific nations and their ranking in terms of frequency would require further data analysis. However, given the history of the Curtis surname, it is likely to be found in countries with strong historical ties to both the United Kingdom and the United States.
Explore Curtis last name heritage and Curtis surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Curtis Surame?
Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis (November 22, 1958 - ) is an American actress, producer, and children's author. Known for her roles in horror films like "Halloween," she has won multiple awards, including an Academy Award and Golden Globe Awards. Curtis has also starred in comedies like "Trading Places" and "A Fish Called Wanda." In addition to her successful film career, she has written children's books, such as "Today I Feel Silly, and Other Moods That Make My Day." With a diverse acting range and a long list of accolades, Curtis continues to be a celebrated figure in Hollywood.
Tony Curtis
Tony Curtis (Bernard Schwartz) (June 3, 1925 – September 29, 2010) was an American actor known for his roles in films like "Some Like It Hot," "The Defiant Ones," and "Spartacus." Curtis had a career spanning six decades and appeared in over 100 movies, showcasing his versatility in various genres. He also made a mark on television with appearances in shows like "The Persuaders!" and "The Boston Strangler." Curtis was married six times and fathered six children, including actresses Jamie Lee Curtis and Kelly Curtis. His legacy in Hollywood continues to influence and inspire new generations of actors.
Catie Curtis
Catie Eleanor Curtis (May 22, 1965 - ) is an American singer-songwriter known for her work in folk rock. Raised in Saco, Maine, she gained recognition with her albums like "Truth from Lies" and "A Crash Course in Roses." Curtis has performed internationally, with her songs featured in popular TV shows like Alias and Grey's Anatomy. She is also an advocate for same-sex marriage and has won multiple awards for her music, including Album of the Year at the Gay and Lesbian American Music Awards. Curtis continues to create music and released her latest album, "The Raft," in 2020.
Robin Curtis
Robin Curtis was born in 1955 or 1956 in New York Mills, New York. She is an American actress best known for her role as Vulcan Lieutenant Saavik in the "Star Trek" film series. Curtis replaced Kirstie Alley in the iconic role for "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock" and "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home." Aside from her work in "Star Trek," she has appeared in various television shows and films throughout her career. Curtis has also performed in stage productions and has worked on television commercials and infomercials. She continues to be recognized for her contributions to the entertainment industry.
Benjamin Robbins Curtis
Benjamin Robbins Curtis (Nov 4, 1809 – Sep 15, 1874) was an American lawyer and judge. He served as an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1851 to 1857. Curtis was known for being the only Whig justice on the Supreme Court and the first justice to have a formal law degree. He famously dissented in the 1857 Dred Scott v. Sandford decision. Curtis also defended President Andrew Johnson during his impeachment trial. His legal career and contributions to judicial reform made him a prominent figure in American legal history.
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