Curtis
Encyclopedia
Curtis is a common given name
and surname
of English origin derived from the Old French
"curteis," which means 'polite, courteous, or well-bred.' It's related with the spanish and portuguese surname Cortes
. It was brought to England (and subsequently, the rest of the Isles) via the Norman Conquest. This is evidence to suggest the name itself is a phonetic corruption of Curthose, the nickname ascribed to Robert II
or also Curtmantle, the surname used by Henry II
, the first of England's Plantagenet kings. It could also be a variation of the established medieval surname, Curthoys
. Though it is unclear whether "Curtis" and "Curtiss" are directly related, the latter is also considered here for convenience.
Given name
A given name, in Western contexts often referred to as a first name, is a personal name that specifies and differentiates between members of a group of individuals, especially in a family, all of whose members usually share the same family name...
and surname
Surname
A surname is a name added to a given name and is part of a personal name. In many cases, a surname is a family name. Many dictionaries define "surname" as a synonym of "family name"...
of English origin derived from the Old French
Old French
Old French was the Romance dialect continuum spoken in territories that span roughly the northern half of modern France and parts of modern Belgium and Switzerland from the 9th century to the 14th century...
"curteis," which means 'polite, courteous, or well-bred.' It's related with the spanish and portuguese surname Cortes
Cortes (surname)
Cortes or Cortés is a surname of Spanish and Portuguese origin, respectively. It derived from the Old French "curteis," which means 'polite, courteous, or well-bred', and is analogous to the English Curtis, although the English form has become more widely used as a given name.The surname has become...
. It was brought to England (and subsequently, the rest of the Isles) via the Norman Conquest. This is evidence to suggest the name itself is a phonetic corruption of Curthose, the nickname ascribed to Robert II
Robert II, Duke of Normandy
Robert the Magnificent , also called Robert the Devil , was the Duke of Normandy from 1027 until his death. Owing to uncertainty over the numbering of the Dukes of Normandy he is usually called Robert I, but sometimes Robert II with his ancestor Rollo as Robert I...
or also Curtmantle, the surname used by Henry II
Henry II of England
Henry II ruled as King of England , Count of Anjou, Count of Maine, Duke of Normandy, Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Gascony, Count of Nantes, Lord of Ireland and, at various times, controlled parts of Wales, Scotland and western France. Henry, the great-grandson of William the Conqueror, was the...
, the first of England's Plantagenet kings. It could also be a variation of the established medieval surname, Curthoys
Curthoys
Curthoys is a relatively uncommon surname, thought to derive from South West England. It is believed to have roots in Norman or French expatriates from the 10th century onwards....
. Though it is unclear whether "Curtis" and "Curtiss" are directly related, the latter is also considered here for convenience.
People
- Adam CurtisAdam CurtisAdam Curtis is a British BAFTA winning documentarian and a writer, television producer, director and narrator. He works for BBC Current Affairs.-Early life and education:Curtis was born in 1955...
(born 1955) is a British television documentary - Alison CurtisAlison CurtisAlison "Ally" Curtis is a presenter of radio on Irish national radio station Today FM and a respected figure on the Irish music scene...
(born 1977), Canadian-Irish radio presenter - Benjamin Robbins CurtisBenjamin Robbins CurtisBenjamin Robbins Curtis was an American attorney and United States Supreme Court Justice.Curtis was the first and only Whig justice of the Supreme Court. He was also the first Supreme Court justice to have a formal legal degree and is the only justice to have resigned from the court over a matter...
(1809–1874), American jurist - Bill Curtis (born 1948), American software and organizational scientist
- Catie CurtisCatie CurtisCatie Curtis is an American singer-songwriter. Her music has been categorized in several genres, including pop, rock, alternative country, indie and folk. She has recorded 11 CDs. The most recent, Stretch Limousine On Fire, will be released in August 2011 on Compass Records.-Early life:Catie...
(born 1965), American singer-songwriter - Charles CurtisCharles CurtisCharles Curtis was a United States Representative, a longtime United States Senator from Kansas later chosen as Senate Majority Leader by his Republican colleagues, and the 31st Vice President of the United States...
(1860–1936), U.S. Vice President - Charles Curtis (botanist)Charles Curtis (botanist)Charles Curtis was an English botanist who was sent by James Veitch & Sons to search for new plant species in Madagascar, Borneo, Sumatra, Java and the Moluccas, before settling in Penang, where he became the first superintendent of the Penang Botanic Gardens.-Early days:Curtis was born in...
(1853 – 1928), English botanist who became the first superintendent of the Penang Botanic GardensPenang Botanic GardensThe Penang Botanic Gardens, also known as the "Waterfall Gardens" because of the cascading waterfall nearby, is a public park situated on Jalan Air Terjun in George Town on Penang Island, Malaysia... - Cyrus Hermann Kotzschmar CurtisCyrus Hermann Kotzschmar CurtisCyrus Hermann Kotzschmar Curtis was an American publisher of magazines and newspapers, including the Ladies' Home Journal and the Saturday Evening Post.-Biography:...
(1850–1933), U.S. publisher - David CurtisDavid CurtisDavid Michael Curtis is a former Irish rugby union international. He also played some first-class cricket while at Oxford University....
(1948), Welsh Gymnast and Trampoline champion - Edwin Burr CurtissEdwin Burr CurtissEdwin Burr Curtiss , was an attorney, and the president and a director of A. G. Spalding Bros.-Biography:He was born on July 14, 1852, and he had a brother, Julian Wheeler Curtiss. Edwin graduated from Columbia University and formed the firm of Cunningham, Curtiss & Welsh of San Francisco...
, president of A. G. Spalding Bros. - Edward S. CurtisEdward S. CurtisEdward Sheriff Curtis was a photographer of the American West and of Native American peoples.-Early life:...
(1868–1952) the photographer - Edmund CurtisEdmund CurtisEdmund Curtis , was born in Lancashire to Irish parents. He worked in a rubber factory until he was 15 when he continued with his education...
(1881-1943), Historian and Professor of History - George Ticknor CurtisGeorge Ticknor CurtisGeorge Ticknor Curtis was an American author, writer, historian and lawyer.Curtis was born in Watertown, Massachusetts, and graduated from Harvard University in 1832 and then Harvard Law School. After admittance to the Massachusetts bar in 1836, he practiced first in Boston and then in New York...
(1812–1894), U.S. politician and lawyer - George William CurtisGeorge William CurtisGeorge William Curtis was an American writer and public speaker, born in Providence, Rhode Island, of old New England stock.-Biography:...
(1824–1892), American writer and public speaker - Glenn CurtissGlenn CurtissGlenn Hammond Curtiss was an American aviation pioneer and a founder of the U.S. aircraft industry. He began his career as a bicycle then motorcycle builder and racer, later also manufacturing engines for airships as early as 1906...
(1878-1930), American aviationAviationAviation is the design, development, production, operation, and use of aircraft, especially heavier-than-air aircraft. Aviation is derived from avis, the Latin word for bird.-History:...
pioneer and founder of the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor CompanyCurtiss Aeroplane and Motor CompanyCurtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company was an American aircraft manufacturer that went public in 1916 with Glenn Hammond Curtiss as president. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the company was the largest aircraft manufacturer in the United States... - Harriot CurtisHarriot CurtisHarriot Sumner Curtis was an American amateur golfer and an early participant in the sport of skiing. From the Manchester, Massachusetts area, she was one of ten children. Her father was a colonel in the Union Army cavalry during the American Civil War...
(1881–1974) American golfer - Heber Doust CurtisHeber Doust CurtisHeber Doust Curtis was an American astronomer.He studied at the University of Michigan and at the University of Virginia, where he got a degree in astronomy....
(1872–1942), American astronomer - Ian CurtisIan CurtisIan Kevin Curtis was an English singer and lyricist, famous for leading the post-punk band Joy Division. Joy Division released their debut album, Unknown Pleasures, in 1979 and recorded their follow-up, Closer, in 1980...
(1956–1980), British singer-songwriter for Joy Division - Jamie Lee CurtisJamie Lee CurtisJamie Lee Curtis is an American actress and author. Although she was initially known as a "scream queen" because of her starring roles in several horror films early in her career, such as Halloween, The Fog, Prom Night and Terror Train, Curtis has since compiled a body of work that spans many...
(born 1958), American actress - John Curtis (disambiguation)John Curtis (disambiguation)John Curtis may refer to:*John Curtis , English Member of Parliament for Wells, 1782–1784 and Steyning, 1791–1794*John Curtis Missionary bishop in China, 1929-1950*John C...
, several people - Kathlyn CurtisKathlyn CurtisKathlyn Mary Curtis was appointed to the Provincial Court of Manitoba on March 1, 2001.- Biography :Judge Curtis gained her law degree from the University of Manitoba in 1988. A period with the Prosecutions Branch was followed by her appointment as a magistrate...
, Manitoba judge - Kelly CurtisKelly CurtisKelly Lee Curtis is an American actress.She was born in Santa Monica, California, the elder child of actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh and the sister of actress Jamie Lee Curtis. Kelly Curtis began acting at the age of 27, playing Muffy in John Landis' Trading Places...
(born 1956), American actress - Kevin CurtisKevin Curtis-St. Louis Rams:Curtis was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the 3rd round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Curtis was inactive for the first five games of 2003 after suffering a broken fibula in the final preseason game at Buffalo. In 2004, Curtis played in all but one game, totaling 32 catches for 421...
(born 1978), professional American football player - King CurtisKing CurtisCurtis Ousley , who performed under the stage name King Curtis, was an American saxophone virtuoso known for rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, funk and soul jazz. Variously a bandleader, band member, and session musician, he was also a musical director and record producer...
(1934–1971), American saxophonist - Lee Curtis (born Peter Flannery), British musician
- Mark Curtis (British author)Mark Curtis (British author)Mark Curtis is a British journalist, writer, and historian specialising in investigative journalism. He has written numerous books on the foreign policy of the United Kingdom and the United States during the twentieth century.-Biography:...
, British political author - Mark Curtis (SWP member)Mark Curtis (SWP member)Mark Curtis is a former member of the American Socialist Workers Party . Curtis was the subject of a high profile defense campaign by the SWP after he was charged and convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in 1988. The SWP and others of Curtis's defenders claimed that he had been...
, former American Socialist Worker's Party member - Mary Louise Curtis Bok, founder of the Curtis Institute of MusicCurtis Institute of MusicThe Curtis Institute of Music is a conservatory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that offers courses of study leading to a performance Diploma, Bachelor of Music, Master of Music in Opera, and Professional Studies Certificate in Opera. According to statistics compiled by U.S...
, Philadelphia - Margaret CurtisMargaret CurtisMargaret Curtis was an American golf and tennis champion and lifelong social worker.From the Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts area, she was the youngest of ten children. Her father was a colonel in the Union Army cavalry during the American Civil War...
(1883–1965) American golfer and tennis player - Norman CurtisNorman CurtisNorman Curtis was an English footballer, who played as a full back in the Football League in the 1950s and 1960s....
(1924-2009), English footballer - Philip Kenneth Edward Curtis (1926–1951), decorated English soldier
- Richard CurtisRichard CurtisRichard Whalley Anthony Curtis, CBE is a New Zealand-born British screenwriter, music producer, actor and film director, known primarily for romantic comedy films such as Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones's Diary, Notting Hill, Love Actually and The Girl in the Café, as well as the hit...
, (born 1956) British comedy scriptwriter - Samuel Ryan Curtis (1805–1866) Union General in the American Civil War
- Scott CurtisScott CurtisScott Curtis is an American actor and musician.-Career:As a former child actor, he is known for his role as Brandon Capwell on the daytime television series Santa Barbara. He also had a regular role on Aaron's Way, amongst other shows. In 1988 Curtis had the lead role in the horror film Cameron's...
(born 1984), Life FM radio presenter - Tom Curtis (disambiguation), several people
- Tom Curtis (artist) (born 1953), American artist
- Thomas Bradford Curtis (1911–1993) U.S. Representative from Missouri
- Tony CurtisTony CurtisTony Curtis was an American film actor whose career spanned six decades, but had his greatest popularity during the 1950s and early 1960s. He acted in over 100 films in roles covering a wide range of genres, from light comedy to serious drama...
(1925—2010), American actor - William CurtisWilliam CurtisWilliam Curtis was an English botanist and entomologist, who was born at Alton, Hampshire.Curtis began as an apothecary, before turning his attention to botany and other natural history. The publications he prepared effectively reached a wider audience than early works on the subject had intended...
(1746–1799), English botanist
Fictional characters
- Randall CurtisCo-Dependent's Day"Co-Dependent's Day" is the fifteenth episode of The Simpsons fifteenth season. The episode aired on March 21, 2004.-Plot:Homer, Bart, and Lisa see the newest Cosmic Wars film, The Gathering Shadow, and the movie turns out to be less than what they expected. At home, Marge suggests that Bart and...
, character on The Simpsons based on George Lucas - Rey CurtisRey CurtisReynaldo "Rey" Curtis is a fictional character on the TV drama Law & Order, created by Ed Zuckerman and played by Benjamin Bratt from 1995 to 1999.-Character overview:Curtis is introduced as homicide detective in Manhattan's 27th Detective Squad...
, character on Law & Order - Izumi Curtis, character in Fullmetal Alchemist
- Sophia Curtis, character in CSI Las Vegas
- Jade Curtiss, Tales of the AbyssTales of the Abyssis a console role-playing game developed by Namco Tales Studio and published by Namco in Japan and Namco Bandai Games in North America. Tales of the Abyss's characteristic genre name is The Meaning Of Birth RPG . It is the eighth mothership title in the Tales series, and was released for the...
protagonist - Ponyboy, Sodapop, and Darry Curtis, The OutsidersThe Outsiders (novel)The Outsiders is a coming-of-age novel based in 1965 by S. E. Hinton, first published in 1967 by Viking Press. Hinton was 15 when she started writing the novel, but did most of the work when she was sixteen and a junior in high school. Hinton was 18 when the book was published...
main characters
People
- Charles CurtissCharles CurtissCharles Curtiss was an American Communist.Born on July 4, 1908, in Chicago as Samuel Kurz, the son of poor immigrants from Poland, he changed his name to Charles Curtiss and earned his living by working as a miner and sailor and finally became a skilled printer.In 1928, Charles Curtiss joined the...
(1908–1993), American Communist - Edward Curtiss (1898-1970), American film editor http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0193562
- Glenn CurtissGlenn CurtissGlenn Hammond Curtiss was an American aviation pioneer and a founder of the U.S. aircraft industry. He began his career as a bicycle then motorcycle builder and racer, later also manufacturing engines for airships as early as 1906...
(1878–1930), Aviation pioneer - Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor CompanyCurtiss Aeroplane and Motor CompanyCurtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company was an American aircraft manufacturer that went public in 1916 with Glenn Hammond Curtiss as president. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the company was the largest aircraft manufacturer in the United States...
, the company Glenn Curtiss founded
People
- Curtis ArmstrongCurtis ArmstrongCurtis Armstrong is an American actor best known for his portrayal as Booger in the Revenge of the Nerds movies, as Herbert Viola on Moonlighting, and as famed record producer Ahmet Ertegün in the film Ray.-Early life:...
(born 1953), American actor - Curtis EnisCurtis EnisCurtis D. Enis is a former professional American football player. For three seasons he played running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League...
(born 1976) retired NFL running back - Curtis GrandersonCurtis GrandersonCurtis Granderson is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Before joining the Yankees in 2010, he played with the Detroit Tigers . A center fielder, Granderson is known for being a five-tool player...
(born 1981), New York Yankees center fielder - Curtis HansonCurtis HansonCurtis Lee Hanson is an American film director, film producer and screenwriter. His directing work includes The Hand That Rocks the Cradle , L.A...
(born 1945), American filmmaker - Curtis James Jackson III (born 1975), American rapper/actor (known as 50 Cent)
- Curtis MartinCurtis MartinCurtis James Martin, Jr. is a former American football running back. He is an alumnus of Taylor Allderdice High School in Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh...
(born 1973), American football player - Curtis MayfieldCurtis MayfieldCurtis Lee Mayfield was an American soul, R&B, and funk singer, songwriter, and record producer.He is best known for his anthemic music with The Impressions during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's and for composing the soundtrack to the blaxploitation film Super Fly, Mayfield is highly...
, American soul singer, songwriter and musician - Curtis RobbCurtis RobbCurtis Robb is a former British middle distance runner, who competed at two consecutive Summer Olympics for Great Britain, starting at 1992 .-External links:*...
(born 1972), British middle-distance runner - Curtis SalgadoCurtis SalgadoCurtis Salgado is a Portland, Oregon based blues, R&B, and soul singer-songwriter. He plays harmonica and fronts his own band as lead vocalist.-Career:...
(born 1954), rhythm and blues musician and singer-songwriter - Curtis StrangeCurtis StrangeCurtis Northrup Strange is an American professional golfer. He is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. He spent over 200 weeks in the top-10 of the Official World Golf Rankings between their debut in 1986 and 1990.-Early years through college:Strange and his...
(born 1955), American professional golfer - Curtis Warren (born 1963), British criminal
- Curtis WoodhouseCurtis WoodhouseCurtis Woodhouse is an English professional footballer and boxer. Woodhouse plays football as a central midfielder for Conference North outfit Eastwood Town, and competes as a light-welterweight boxer. He is the reigning International Masters light-welterweight champion...
(born 1980), English footballer and boxer
Fictional characters
- Curtis ManningCurtis ManningCurtis Manning is a fictional character on the television series 24 portrayed by Roger Cross.-Characterization:Before joining CTU, he was a member of the Boston Police Department's SWAT unit and had...
, a fictional character played by Jamaican/Canadian actor Roger Cross as part of the television series 24 - Curtis, a fictional character played by actor Spencer Breslin as part of 'The Santa Clause 2+3'
- Curtis WilkinsCurtis WilkinsCurtis Wilkins is star character of the comic strip Curtis created by Ray Billingsley.-Profile:Curtis Wesley Wilkins is an 11-year old boy who lives in the inner city with his parents, Greg and Diane, and his younger brother Barry, whom Curtis regards as a brat although others regard Barry as a...
, a fictional character from the comic strip Curtis - Curtis (Stargate), a recurring character in Stargate Universe
- Curtis Donovan, a fictional character played by actor Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as part of the UK television series Misfits