Curtiss

Curtiss is a masculine name that represents a spelling variation of Curtis, which originated as an English surname derived from the Old French 'courteis' meaning 'courteous' or 'refined.' The additional 's' gives a distinctive touch to this classic name. Historically, Curtis gained popularity as a first name in the United States during the early 20th century. Curtiss carries an air of sophistication and traditional masculinity, with connections to various notable figures including aviation pioneers Glenn Curtiss and the Curtiss-Wright Corporation. The name suggests reliability and a certain old-world charm while remaining crisp and straightforward. Though less common than Curtis, Curtiss offers a subtle way to distinguish the classic name.

Pronounced KUR-tis.

As of October 2026, Curtiss ranked #12666 in US births in 2024 SSA, peaked at #674 in 1943.