Origin and Meaning of Courtney

Meaning & Origin

Short nose / Courtier

Origin: Old French - Derived from the Old French surname 'Courtney', which itself comes from 'cort', meaning 'court' or 'courtier'.

Interesting Facts

  • Courtney was originally a masculine name but has become predominantly feminine in modern usage.
  • The name was popularized in English-speaking countries during the 20th century, especially in the 1980s and 1990s.
  • Notable bearers of the name include actress Courtney Cox, known for her role in the television series 'Friends', and singer Courtney Love.
  • The name Courtney reached its peak popularity in the United States in the late 1980s, ranking within the top 20 names for girls.
  • Variations of the name include Cortney and Cortni, while related names often include names with 'court' elements like Cortland.