Surname Curtice - Meaning and Origin
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Curtice: What does the surname Curtice mean?
The surname Curtice has English origins, primarily derivative of the personal name Curtis. It is a paternal name that was originally derived from an Old French form of the name Curtis. It has two main meanings. First, it could mean "courteous" or "polite." This interpretation is taken from the Old French 'curteis', which literally means 'courtly', implying good manners and conduct. The second meaning is more occupational, derived from the French 'curteiz', which means a refined or educated person, possibly a reference to a member of a royal or noble court. The 'Curtis' or 'Curtice' surname came into common use during the 12th century in England. It should be noted that the specific meaning can vary based on regional and family history, as surnames often evolved based on occupation, geographical area, or personal characteristic.
Order DNA origin analysisCurtice: Where does the name Curtice come from?
The surname Curtice is of English origin and is considered a derivative of the Old French name "Curtis". The name was introduced into England following the Norman Conquest in 1066 and was initially given as a nickname to someone who was 'courteous' or 'refined', derived from the Old French 'curteis', meaning 'well-bred, courteous'.
Curtice's first-life examples can be found in 12th-century English documents, indicating that individuals were using the name during the early Middle Ages. It gradually transformed into different spellings, including Curtice, over time.
Today, the Curtice surname, like many British-origin surnames, can be found in various parts of the world. Still, it remains most common in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. The frequency of the Curtice surname can vary, being more widespread in some regions than in others.
Variations of the surname Curtice
The surname Curtice is primarily of English origin and has various spellings and variants. These include Curtis, Curtiss, Kurtis, Curtyss, Curtys, Cortis, and Courtis. Each of these different spellings likely evolved due to regional pronunciations and variations in spelling over time and across different geographic regions.
The origins of this surname can be traced back to the medieval English personal name “Curtis,” which is derived from the Old French "curteis," which means "refined" or "accomplished." It was often used to refer to a refined, courteous, or well-bred man.
Additionally, there are several associated surnames that may share a common root or origin with Curtice, such as Curtin, Curtain, Curtius, Curti, Kurt, and Kurtz.
However, as surname origins can be influenced by many factors, including occupation, location, and personal characteristics, it's worth noting that each variant could have several origins. Therefore, the best way to discover the exact origin and meaning of any variant would be through individual genealogical research.
Famous people with the name Curtice
- Angela Curtice: Professional volleyball player in the German Volleyball Bundesliga and the former captain of the German national team.
- Richard Curtice: British social scientist and professor of political sociology at Strathclyde University.
- Maureen Curtice: American Singer-songwriter and guitarist who has won the AMA Music Award in Best Contemporary Song for her song, “Lost in a Dream”
- Ella Curtice: Award-winning children’s author known for her realistic fiction and book reviews for the Detroit Free Press.
- John Curtice: British political analyst and psephologist who led the analysis of the BBC's election results program.
- Jane Curtice: American actress known for playing Pepper on the classic sitcom “Gilligan’s Island” and playing a part in the film “The Poseidon Adventure.”
- Robert Curtice: Emeritus professor of Greek at the University of Arizona and one of the leading American scholars of Ancient Greek literature.
- Roger Curtice: Former professional football player who played for the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams.
- Penelope Curtice: Actress who starred in the Emmy award winning British drama series “EastEnders”.
- Henrietta Curtice: English enterpriser who founded the first Women's Social Reform Agency in Australia.
- Jean Curtice: Musician and songwriter whose work has been featured on various soundtracks for film and television.