MallowbyNames

Cortni

KORT-nee · Of uncertain origin, likely a feminine variant spelling of Courtney.

Peak popularity
1990
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Cortni since 1974

Babies named Cortni per year in U.S. Social Security records.

173552198020002020Most births 1990Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s71
1980s284
1990s339
2000s116
2010s8
2020s5

Meaning & origin

Cortni first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1974, a phonetic spelling of the more established Courtney. It reached its peak popularity in 1990, when it ranked among the least common but still recognizable variants. Despite never breaking into the top 1000 names, Cortni has maintained a steady presence, with its trajectory remaining stable through 2025. The spelling reflects a broader trend of creative name variations in the late 20th century, particularly in the 1990s when the name saw its highest usage. Cortni remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking an alternative to the more common Courtney.

Cortni is an alternative spelling of Courtney, which itself derives from the Old French place name Courtenay (originally a Gallo-Roman estate name). The name was brought to England by the Normans and was used as a surname before becoming a given name. As a feminine name, it gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the late 20th century.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Cori, Cort, Nia, Cici

Variants: Courtney, Kortney, Cortney, Kortni

Sibling names for Cortni

Names that share Cortni's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

C is for Cortni, our favorite little girl.

C is for Cortni…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Cortni's letter becomes Cortni's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Cortni's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Cortni mean?
The name Cortni is a variant of Courtney, which likely originally referred to a person from Courtenay in France. The meaning is uncertain, but it is often associated with a short-nosed or courtly person.
How popular is the name Cortni?
Cortni first appeared in U.S. records in 1974 and reached its highest rank in 1990, but it has never been among the top 1000 names. Its popularity has remained stable in recent years.
Is Cortni a boy or girl name?
Cortni is almost exclusively used as a feminine name, though its root name Courtney can be unisex.