Cortlandt, of English origin, is an uncommon yet distinctive given name for males. It is derived from an Old English personal (byname) name meaning "from the courtyard." The name gained popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite rare. Notable bearers of this name include Cortlandt Field Bishop, a prominent American lawyer and politician from the mid-19th century.
"Cortlandt as a name experienced peaks in popularity in the mid-20th century and late 20th century, with notable spikes in 1951 (7 births) and consistent usage thereafter."