Declining since 1996, #3,949 for boys today.
Popularity of Cortland since 1913
Babies named Cortland per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 73 |
| 1920s | 73 |
| 1930s | 68 |
| 1940s | 87 |
| 1950s | 84 |
| 1960s | 89 |
| 1970s | 86 |
| 1980s | 195 |
| 1990s | 493 |
| 2000s | 327 |
| 2010s | 420 |
| 2020s | 150 |
Meaning & origin
Cortland emerged as a given name in 1913, climbing slowly and reaching its peak rank in 2011. Since 1996, however, its popularity has declined. In the latest year recorded, 2025, the name ranked 3,949, with roughly 1 in 63,262 newborn boys receiving the name. While it never reached the upper tiers of the charts, Cortland maintained a steady presence, particularly in the 2010s, before its recent downturn. The name's appeal lies in its surname style and strong, straightforward sound, evoking a sense of place and tradition. Though no single state emerged as a stronghold, Cortland has been used across the United States, reflecting its quiet but enduring niche among English-derived place names.
Cortland is of English origin, derived from a surname that itself comes from a place name. It is thought to mean 'land of the court' or refer to a location named Cortland, possibly from Old English 'cort' (court) and 'land'. The name entered occasional use as a given name in the early 20th century, likely influenced by the surname tradition of using family or place names as first names. It saw modest popularity, particularly in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cort, Corty
Sibling names for Cortland
Names that share Cortland's style, for a brother or sister.
