Surname Courts - Meaning and Origin
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Courts: What does the surname Courts mean?
The surname Courts is of Old French origin and was originally given as an occupational name to someone who served at a court or lived near a manor house or court. The term "court" came from the Old French word "court," meaning a princely residence or court. So the name could often mean “the courtier,” or “one who resides or works at a court.” This surname was first found in Buckinghamshire, England. Over time, the name has been modified into various forms due to regional pronunciations and spellings. It is important to note that back then, many people would move to live and work for prestigious or royal families, and their names would often reflect this move, as surnames were often attached to a trade, duty, or location. Like most surnames, the Courts surname also may have diverse roots and might be associated with different histories and folklore in various countries.
Order DNA origin analysisCourts: Where does the name Courts come from?
The last name Courts could originate from several sources. It could be derived from Old French "cort", which means "court". Therefore, it may initially imply a resident who lived by or worked at a court, inferring the dwelling of a lord and his entourage. This surname also has a correlation with a locative origin, possibly denoting someone who lived by a courtyard or quad or someone who acted as a courtier, an individual who spent time at a royal court. The surname was first recorded in England in the early 13th century.
The precise geographical distribution varies, but you can predominantly find the surname in the English-speaking world. In the United States, it is particularly common in the states of New York, Texas, and Virginia. It also has a significant presence in England, specifically in the regions of London and the South East. However, it is essential to note that this is a dynamic category, and concentrations can shift over time due to various factors, including migration.
Variations of the surname Courts
The surname Courts seems to have an English and French origin. The variants of this surname can be influenced by regional dialects, phonetics, and cultural blends over the centuries. It could also have been modified based on a profession, location, or a descriptive term.
Alternate spellings and variants can include Court, Courte, Courtie, Courtis, and Courties. In French speaking regions, it could potentially be written as "La Cour", "Cour", "Cours", or "de Cour".
Similar sounding names that can also trace back to the same origin might include Coats, Coates, and Coatsworth. Surnames like Coutts or Kurtz may also be considered as they could have been misspelled or altered versions of Courts.
Surnames of the same origin could be those relating to legal professions or places, such as Judge, Justice, Lawyer, and Castle.
However, it's essential to consider that surnames' origins can be complex and diverse, and a direct correlation may not always be evident. Genealogical research and DNA testing are the best ways to definitively trace the origins and variations of a surname like Courts.
Famous people with the name Courts
- There are not a large number of globally recognized famous individuals with the last name 'Courts,' however, there are a few notable personalities which can be mentioned:
- Jerry Courts: A known American author and motivational speaker, who has written several books on business strategy and leadership.
- Kelly Courts: She is a recognized actress, known for her roles in Five Nights (2016) and Girl Trip (2017).
- Major Lancelot Courts: He was awarded the Military Cross during WWII. His story is documented in several military history publications.
- Sam Courts: A British journalist and author, who has a considerable following in the UK.
- Adelaide Courts: French actress who starred in the movie Les Petites du quai aux fleurs in 1944. Most of these individuals are recognized within their specific fields or regions, but may not have global prominence or recognition. As this last name isn't very common, and those who carry it are not widely known in the global sphere, it's harder to find more famous people with this surname.