The name Curtis is of English origin and it means "curt" or "short." It was originally a surname given to people who were short in stature. However, over time, the name has become popular as both a first name and a last name.
The earliest known use of the name Curtis as a given name was in England during the Middle Ages. During this period, many surnames began to be used as given names, and Curtis was one of them. It is believed that the name was brought to America by English settlers who arrived in the New World during the colonial era.
The name Curtis has been worn by several notable individuals throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Curtis Mayfield, an American singer-songwriter who was a key member of the Impressions and later had a successful solo career. Another notable figure with the name Curtis is Curtis LeMay, a United States Air Force general during World War II and the Korean War.
Today, the name Curtis remains popular in English-speaking countries around the world. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it has been consistently ranked among the top 1000 most popular boys' names in the United States since the early 20th century. While its meaning of "short" may not be desirable for some people, others appreciate the name's unique sound and history. Ultimately, whether someone chooses to give their child the name Curtis depends on personal preference and family traditions.
The given statistics provide a fascinating insight into the popularity of the name Curtis in the United States over several decades. The data spans from 1894 to 2000 and illustrates notable trends and fluctuations in the number of births each year with this specific name.
From 1894 to around 1920, there was an erratic pattern in the number of babies named Curtis annually, ranging from a low of five births in certain years to a peak of 39 births in 1918. This period showed fluctuations but generally maintained a modest level of popularity for the name.
Beginning in 1924, however, there was a significant increase in the number of newborns named Curtis, with figures reaching as high as 52 births in 1957. The years between 1920 and approximately 1965 demonstrate a steady growth in popularity for this name.
The late 1960s marked another shift in trend. After peaking at 39 births in 1965, the figure dropped significantly to just 19 in 1966 and continued fluctuating between around five to forty births annually until the mid-1970s when it stabilized around twenty-five to thirty births per year.
This pattern continued until around 1987, where we see another notable decline. From approximately 31 births in 1987, the number steadily decreased over subsequent years, reaching a low of just five births in 2000.
In conclusion, the name Curtis saw periods of varying popularity in the United States from 1894 to 2000. The highest points were reached in the mid-20th century with peaks in the late 1950s and early 1960s, while more recent decades showed a consistent yet low-level popularity.