CURTISS

Curtis was the medieval personal name that gave rise to the English surname Curtiss. The name is derived from the Old French word curteis, meaning “refined” or “accomplished”, and was originally a nickname for a person who displayed courteous or polished behaviour.

Historical records show that the name appeared throughout the British Isles from the twelfth century. The first dated mention is that of Richard Curteis in the 1166 Pipe Rolls of Bedfordshire. Subsequent references include Robert Le Curteis of Devon in 1168, Ralph Le Curtoys of Lincoln in 1230 and John Le Kurtoys in the 1238 register of Kirkstall Abbey, Yorkshire. By the thirteenth century, the name was in regular use as a surname, with many spelling variants, some of which still survive: Curtice, Curthoys, Cortes, Kertess, Curtis, Curteis.

The surname Curtiss has been recorded in all parts of the British Isles, and its use was so widespread that it has been accepted as a baptismal name in some families. The name’s religious associations include St. Curtius, a fourth‑century martyr, whose cult was popular enough to inspire the adoption of his name in Christian families.

One of the earliest bearers of the surname to cross the Atlantic was Henry Curtis, aged twenty‑seven, who departed London on 25 May 1635 aboard the ship Elizabeth and Ann bound for New England. His departure marks an early point in the migration of bearers of the name to America, a country in which the surname remains common today, particularly in states such as California, New York and Florida.

In the twentieth century the name gained further prominence through Glenn Hammond Curtiss, an American aviation pioneer who laid the foundations of naval aviation and founded the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company. His achievements cemented the recognition of the surname in the fields of engineering and aviation.

The family crest traditionally associated with the surname consists of a silver field, a black chevron between the heads of a pair of bulls cabossed, all rendered in red. While the heraldic description is recorded in several genealogical sources, this coat of arms reflects the historical importance placed on the family’s status and reputation.

Today, the surname Curtiss remains predominantly English in origin, with continued use in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Although it is less common outside these regions, the name is still recognised globally, in part due to its association with the historical aircraft manufacturer and the legacy of its most famous bearer.

Typical given names associated with the Curtiss surname

Male

• Alan
• David
• James
• Jeffrey
• Matthew
• Nicholas
• Paul
• Philip
• Richard
• Robert
• Stephen
• Steven
• Trevor

Female

• Angela
• Anne
• Deborah
• Emily
• Emma
• Fiona
• Helen
• Lisa
• Lynn
• Margaret
• Patricia
• Rose
• Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

How to communicate the surname Curtiss in...

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Surname type: Nickname

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

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