Declining since 1985, #984 for boys today.
Popularity of Curtis since 1880
Babies named Curtis per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 695 |
| 1890s | 928 |
| 1900s | 1,683 |
| 1910s | 8,911 |
| 1920s | 16,138 |
| 1930s | 18,008 |
| 1940s | 26,009 |
| 1950s | 46,324 |
| 1960s | 47,244 |
| 1970s | 28,808 |
| 1980s | 29,910 |
| 1990s | 19,205 |
| 2000s | 9,650 |
| 2010s | 5,323 |
| 2020s | 1,718 |
Meaning & origin
Curtis has a long history as a first name in the United States, first recorded in 1880. It reached its peak popularity in 1962, when it was a common choice for boys. In 2025, it ranked 984, with about 1 in 7,362 newborns given the name. The name has been on a downward trajectory since around 1985. Top states where Curtis has been most popular include Mississippi, Idaho, and Nevada. Despite its decline, Curtis remains a recognizable classic with a straightforward meaning rooted in courtesy.
Curtis derives from the Old French 'curteis' meaning 'courteous' or 'polite'. Introduced to England by the Normans after the Conquest, it was originally a nickname for a well-mannered person. It later became a surname and eventually a given name, enjoying particular popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century.
Where Curtis is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Curtis” around the world
Where Curtis lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Curt
Sibling names for Curtis
Names that share Curtis's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Allison, Brenda, Diana, Janet, Lorraine, Carman, Corrine, Candis, Arnetha, Coretha, Corlis, Darrielle, Jeniece, Necia, Sharona, Sherrice, Sundra, Arzella, Conswella, Coreena, Cortina, Curtisha, Dawnita, Ericha, Karrissa, Korine, Monice, Tishia, Cerita, Chantrell, Corretta, Jolayne, Jurline
Brothers: Dennis, Gerald, Leonard, Raymond, Wayne, Travis, Lyndon, Derwin, Durell, Karlton, Kirt, Terance, Urban, Danzel, Duron, Kenn, Vertis, Keath, Shadd, Carmell, Martise, Tellis
Names like Curtis
Names whose popularity has moved with Curtis's over the last 50 years.
