Proper noun

1. , originally a nickname for a refined or courtly person.
2. transferred from the surname.

Quotations

• 1594 William Shakespeare: The Taming of the Shrew: Act IV, Scene I :

  A cold world, Curtis, in every office but thine; and therefore, fire.

• 1999 Bernie Runstedler, Jr.: Breezes Against My Brow. General Store Publishing House. ISBN 1894263049 page 77:

  Without undue haste, we named him Curtis simply because we liked the name. It seemed to suit the little guy too. Knowing my love of aviation, several friends and relatives wrongly assumed we have named him after the Curtiss Aircraft Company. I hadn't thought of this, but it was a great idea. There are some terrific aircraft company names to choose. You'll see the likes of Douglas, Martin, Edwards, Ryan, Miles and Albert just to name a few.