The name Cort is derived from the Old French word "court", which means "short" or "brief". It emerged as a given name during the Middle Ages, primarily in regions of France and neighboring areas where the Old French language was spoken.

During the medieval period, the name Cort was often used as a nickname or shortened form of longer names containing the root "court", such as Courtois or Courtney. It was particularly popular among the French nobility and upper classes, where shorter names were favored for their brevity and ease of use.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Cort can be found in the 13th-century French epic poem "Le Roman de la Rose", where a character named Cort appears. This literary reference suggests that the name was already in use by that time.

In the 14th century, a notable figure named Cort van Zierikzee was a Dutch navigator and explorer. He is credited with leading one of the earliest European expeditions to the Arctic regions, laying the groundwork for future exploration in the area.

Another historical figure bearing the name Cort was Cort Sivertsen (1573-1633), a Norwegian naval officer and explorer. He is known for his expeditions to the Arctic regions, including the discovery of the Svalbard archipelago in 1604.

Cort Adler (1638-1675) was a German composer and organist who made significant contributions to the development of the Baroque style of music. His works, including organ compositions and sacred vocal pieces, were highly regarded during his lifetime and influenced later composers.

Cort van der Linden (1846-1935) was a Dutch painter and etcher known for his landscapes and cityscapes. He was a prominent figure in the Hague School, a group of artists who sought to capture the essence of Dutch life and landscapes with a naturalistic approach.

Cort Muters (1888-1959) was a Dutch sculptor and artist who worked primarily in the Art Deco style. His works, which included architectural sculptures, fountains, and public monuments, can be found in various cities across the Netherlands and other parts of Europe.

While the name Cort has its roots in Old French and was particularly popular in medieval Europe, it has since spread to other regions and cultures, albeit with lesser frequency. It remains a unique and distinctive given name with a rich historical background.