Courtenay 1 is an English surname with roots in France, derived from the place name Courtenay, a town in the Loiret department. The toponym itself originates from the Gallo-Roman personal name Curtenus, which is based on the Latin word curtus meaning "short." The surname thus likely originally denoted someone from Courtenay or a person associated with that location. The surname Courtenay is believed to have been brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The family became prominent in English nobility; the Courtenay family, Earls of Devon, is one of the most notable bearers. The name has also been used as a given name, with variations such as Courtney, which has been popular in English-speaking countries. Meaning: From the Gallo-Roman name Curtenus meaning "short" Origin: French, English Type: Surname Related Names: Courtenay (root), Courtney (variant) Given Name Descendants: Cortney, Courteney, Courtney, Kortney, Kourtney