Curtiss

Origin and Meaning: Curtiss is an English surname of Norman origin. It is derived from the Old French name "Curteis," meaning courteous or polite.

Historical Significance: The Curtiss surname has a long history in Britain, dating back to the medieval era. The name was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when the French-speaking Normans brought with them their naming conventions.

Distribution and Popularity: The Curtiss surname is relatively rare in Britain today, with most occurrences found in specific regions where the name was historically established. It is more commonly found in parts of Southern England and the Midlands.

Notable Individuals:

  • Glenn Curtiss (1878–1930): An American aviation pioneer, Glenn Curtiss was of British descent and played a significant role in the development of early aircraft.
  • Ella Curtiss (1840–1903): A British suffragist and women's rights activist who campaigned for gender equality and voting rights for women.

Variants: Variants of the Curtiss surname include Curtis, Curteis, and Curtice.

Coat of Arms: The Curtiss surname is associated with a coat of arms that features symbols of chivalry and honour, reflecting the original meaning of the name "Curteis."

Modern Day: While less common today, the Curtiss surname still carries with it a sense of dignity and politeness, reflecting its historical origins. Many individuals with this surname continue to honour their heritage and family traditions.

There are approximately 243 people named Curtiss in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Curtiss.

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

  • 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.

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