Courtnay

French

"courteous, from the court"

Courtnay Origin and Meaning

The name Courtnay is a boy's name.

Courtnay is a masculine variation of the name Courtney, though it can occasionally be used for girls as well. It derives from an Anglo-Norman surname that meant 'domain of Curtenus,' ultimately from a Latin personal name. Originally a place name and aristocratic surname, it referred to someone from Courtenay in France. The spelling variant 'Courtnay' gives the traditional name a more distinctive appearance while maintaining its pronunciation. Historically a male name, Courtney (and its variants) shifted to become predominantly feminine in the United States during the mid-20th century, though in the UK it retained more of its unisex quality. Courtnay remains relatively uncommon, offering a unique twist on the more familiar Courtney.