CURTIS
Curtis
Curtis is a common English surname of Norman origin that dates back to the medieval era. The surname is derived from the Old French word "curteis," which means courteous or well-mannered. It was likely used as a nickname to describe someone who was polite or refined in their interactions.
Origin and Distribution
The surname Curtis is primarily found in England and Ireland, with some presence in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is believed to have originated in the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, when the Normans introduced the feudal system and their language to the country.
Notable Individuals
- Tony Curtis (1925-2010): American actor known for his roles in classic films such as "Some Like It Hot" and "Spartacus."
- Jamie Lee Curtis: American actress and author, known for her roles in films like "Halloween" and "True Lies."
- Nancy Gates Curtis: Botanist and conservationist known for her work in preserving endangered plant species.
Cultural Significance
The surname Curtis has been associated with individuals from various professions, including acting, politics, and sports. It has become a symbol of respectability and refinement, reflecting the characteristics of courtesy and sophistication.
Variations
Variations of the surname Curtis include Curtiss, Curtice, and Curtyss. These variations may have originated from different regions or dialects where the surname was adopted.
Overall, the surname Curtis has a rich history and is a testament to the multicultural influences that have shaped British and English-speaking societies over the centuries.
There are approximately 34,409 people named Curtis in the UK. That makes it the 225th most common surname in Britain. Around 528 in a million people in Britain are named Curtis.
Surname type: Nickname
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
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
Female
- Deborah
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Curtiss
- Curtice
- Caretti
- Cartas
- Curties
- Cartis
- Carti
- Carts
- Cartie
- Cartes
- Curits
- Curti
- Curtise
- Cordts
- Cortes
- Corti
- Cortie
- Corties
- Cortis
- Cortise
- Corts
- Courtes
- Courtie
- Courties
- Courtis
- Courtois
- Courts
- Curitz
- Curt
- Curtas
- Curteis
- Curtes
- Curtey
- Curtie
- Curtin
- Curtins
- Curtois
- Curts
- Curttis
- Curtus
- Curty
- Kourtis
- Kurti
- Kurtis
- Cartice
- Coretti
- Cortas
- Courtice
- Courty
- Curdt
- Curte
- Curthoys
- Curtoys
- Kourti
- Kurts
- Carradus
- Carty
- Croudace
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.