Curt is a short form of the name Curtius or Curti. It is of Latin origin and means "short" or "curtailed." The name Curt has been used since ancient Roman times, with some notable historical figures bearing this name, such as Marcus Aurelius Curtius, a Roman general who fought against the Gauls in the 3rd century BC.
The name Curt has also been popular among royalty and nobility throughout history. In medieval England, there was a family named Curteys or Curtiss, which held lands and titles in Norfolk and Suffolk. The most famous member of this family was Sir Philip Curteys, who served as Lord Mayor of London in 1479.
In more recent times, the name Curt has been used by people from various backgrounds and nationalities. Some notable figures with this name include American actor Curt Gowdy (1919-2003), Australian rules footballer Curt Byars (born 1956), and Norwegian businessman Curt Carlson (1914-2019).
Overall, the name Curt is a unique and historic moniker with Latin origins that has been used by people from diverse backgrounds throughout history. Its meaning of "short" or "curtailed" may lend itself to individuals who are concise or direct in their communication style, but this is not explicitly associated with the name's origin or meaning.
The name Curt has been a part of the American landscape since at least 1880, with its popularity fluctuating over time. In its early years, the name was given to between 5 and 12 babies each year, with no clear trend or pattern.
However, starting in the 1930s, the number of births for the name Curt began to increase steadily. Between 1934 and 1946, there were between 38 and 95 births per year, marking a significant rise from previous decades.
The peak popularity of the name Curt came in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with over 700 births each year for several years. In fact, during this time, Curt was one of the most popular names for boys, ranking within the top 200 most common names.
However, as with many trends, popularity for the name Curt began to decline in the late 1960s and early 1970s. By the 1980s and 1990s, there were fewer than 150 births per year for this name.
In recent years, Curt has continued to be given to a small number of babies each year in the United States. Despite its decreased popularity as a first name, it remains a part of American naming traditions due to its long history and association with certain cultural references.