CURT

Curt is a masculine given name, typically used as a short form of Curtis. It is also found as a surname, though far less common. The name is most widely used in English-speaking countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.

Etymology and usage: Curtis is of uncertain origin, but one common explanation links it to the Old French curteis, meaning courteous. The diminutive Curt arose in English-speaking communities as a nickname that eventually entered formal use. Usage in the United States rose in the mid-20th century and has since declined, though Curt remains in occasional use today.

Notable bearers: Notable people named Curt include Curt Schilling, an American former Major League Baseball pitcher; Curt Gowdy, an American sportscaster; Curt Flood, an American baseball player; Curt Smith, a British-American musician with the band Tears for Fears; Curt Menefee, an American sportscaster; and Curt Swan, an American comic-book artist known for his work on Superman. The name has appeared in various fields, reflecting its mid-20th-century popularity in English-speaking countries.