Kourtney is a feminine name of French origin and means "short nose". The name is derived from the Old French word "courte" meaning short, and "nez" meaning nose. It was originally used as a nickname for someone with a small or upturned nose.
The name Kourtney gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century, likely due to its use by celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian, a member of the famous reality TV family. However, it is important to note that the Kardashians are not French and did not give their daughters traditionally French names.
Before becoming popularized in recent decades, Kourtney was a rare name used primarily in France and some francophone regions. It has since gained international recognition and is now considered a contemporary name with a unique and elegant sound.
In terms of its history, there are no notable historical figures named Kourtney. However, the name may have been used as a nickname or pet name for women in France throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. Today, it remains a popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet accessible name for their daughters.
The name Kourtnie has seen a varied pattern of usage over the years in the United States. In the mid to late 1970s and early 1980s, it was quite uncommon, with only 5 births recorded annually between 1975 and 1982.
However, there was a significant increase in its popularity during the late 1980s to the mid-1990s. The number of babies named Kourtnie peaked at 41 in 1990, nearly eight times the annual average during the previous decade. This trend continued throughout the 1990s, with an average of around 30 births per year between 1992 and 1997.
Interestingly, despite a slight decline after its peak in the late 1980s, Kourtnie remained relatively popular during the early 2000s. Between 2000 and 2005, the number of births averaged around 16 per year.
After 2005, however, there was a noticeable decrease in its usage. From 2006 onwards, fewer than 20 babies named Kourtnie were born annually, with some years recording as few as six births (in 2017).
In total, over the course of nearly four decades from 1975 to 2017, there were 675 recorded births of girls named Kourtnie in the United States. This statistic reflects how Kourtnie's popularity has ebbed and flowed over time but has remained a recognizable name throughout these years.
Despite its fluctuations in popularity, the name Kourtnie has managed to maintain a presence in American naming trends, even if it is no longer as common as it once was.