Cortney
Below 5 births
2025 SSA
About Cortney
Cortney is a feminine name that originated as a variant spelling of Courtney, which began as an English surname derived from the French place name "Courtenay," meaning "domain of Curtenus" (a Gallo-Roman personal name). During the 1970s and 1980s, Cortney gained popularity as parents sought alternative spellings for traditional names. It peaked in popularity in the United States during the early 1990s alongside other similar variations. The name evokes qualities of sophistication and refinement, perhaps due to its aristocratic origins and connection to the word "court." While less common than the standard spelling, Cortney maintains the same pleasant sound while offering a slightly distinctive written appearance.
Cortney for boys#9906 US
Cortney, when used as a masculine name, represents a less common gender assignment for what is typically considered a feminine name in modern usage. Derived from the Norman French surname 'de Courtenay,' referring to a place name meaning 'domain of Curtenus' (a Gallo-Roman landlord), Cortney began as a surname before transitioning to first-name usage. While predominantly given to girls since the 1970s-1990s, Cortney has historical precedent as a male name, particularly in its original surname form. The masculine usage of Cortney has decreased as the name became strongly associated with feminine identity. Men named Cortney today might appreciate the name's aristocratic French origins and distinctive quality, though they may occasionally need to clarify gender expectations associated with what has become primarily perceived as a feminine name.
Pronounced KORT-nee.
As of October 2026, Cortney ranked #15701 in US births in 2023 SSA, peaked at #226 in 1990.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank · girls | Births · girls | US rank · boys | Births · boys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | — | 0 | #4,418 | 22 |
| 2015 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2016 | — | 0 | #4,985 | 19 |
| 2017 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2018 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2019 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2020 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2021 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2022 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2023 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2024 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2025 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
Cortney on lists
Cortney in pop culture
- CortneyGirl
character on "The Fosters"