COURTENAY
Courtenay
Surname: Courtenay
Origin: French
Meaning: The surname Courtenay has its origins in France, derived from the Old French word "courtenai", meaning a short coat. The name likely originated as a nickname for someone who wore such a coat or perhaps worked as a tailor.
History: The Courtenay surname has a long and illustrious history, particularly in England. The name was first brought to England by a noble Norman family, the de Courtenay family, who came to England in the wake of the Norman Conquest of 1066. The family established themselves in various regions of England, including Devon, Somerset, and Warwickshire.
Notable Individuals:
- Hugh de Courtenay: One of the early prominent figures of the Courtenay family, he was the 12th Earl of Devon and played a significant role in English politics during the 13th century.
- Margaret Courtenay: A notable figure in the 15th century, she was the daughter of the Earl of Devon and later became the Countess of Warwick through marriage.
Modern Day: The Courtenay surname continues to be found in England and across the world, carried by descendants of the historic de Courtenay family and others who adopted the name over the centuries. It remains a reminder of the Norman influence on English society and culture.
There are approximately 659 people named Courtenay in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around ten in a million people in Britain are named Courtenay.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Adrian
- Alan
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- Edward
- James
- John
- Michael
- Peter
- Richard
- William
Female
- Alison
- Charlotte
- Denise
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jane
- Jean
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan
- Tamsyn
- Wendy
Similar and related surnames
- Cardney
- Cartain
- Cartan
- Cartigny
- Cartney
- Cordeny
- Cordney
- Cortan
- Cortenall
- Cortenay
- Corteyn
- Cortiana
- Cortney
- Courtaney
- Courtay
- Courteen
- Courten
- Courtenage
- Courtenange
- Courteneige
- Courteney
- Courtenory
- Courteny
- Courtinains
- Courtnage
- Courtnall
- Courtnay
- Courtneay
- Courtney
- Courtny
- Cratney
- Cretegny
- Cretney
- Critney
- Curtain
- Curtan
- Curtayne
- Curteanu
- Curtney
- Gardonyi
- Gradney
- Kordany
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.