Courtnay

OriginEnglish from French

Meaning"short nose; courteous, from the court"

GenderBoy & girl

US rank · boysUnranked

Below 5 births

US rank · girlsUnranked

Below 5 births

About Courtnay

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.

Courtnay for girls

Courtnay is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Courtney, which originated as an aristocratic Norman-French surname meaning 'domain of Curtis' or 'short nose.' The surname derives from a place name combining 'court' (settlement with a courtyard) and the personal name Curtis. This spelling variation with 'ay' instead of 'ey' gives the name a slightly more distinctive appearance while maintaining the same pronunciation. Courtnay peaked in popularity during the 1990s alongside other forms of the name but has always been the less common spelling. The name carries associations with elegance and nobility due to its aristocratic origins, while also conveying a modern, approachable quality that has maintained its appeal across generations.

Pronounced KORT-nay.

As of October 2026, Courtnay ranked #9271 in US births in 1996 SSA, peaked at #8120 in 1989.