The name Curtiss is an anglicized spelling variation of the French given name Courtois, which derived from the Old French word "courteis" meaning "courteous" or "polite." It emerged during the Middle Ages, originating from the regions of medieval France.

The earliest recorded use of the name Curtiss dates back to the late 12th century, appearing in various historical records and manuscripts from that period. One notable early bearer was Curtiss de Beaufou, a French nobleman and landowner who lived in the latter half of the 13th century.

In the 14th century, the name gained some prominence with Curtiss de Valois, a knight and military commander who served under King Philip VI of France during the Hundred Years' War. He was celebrated for his bravery and leadership in several key battles against the English forces.

As the name spread across Western Europe, it was adopted in various forms, including Curtiss, Curtis, and Courtois. In England, the name Curtiss became more commonly used after the Norman Conquest, brought by French settlers and nobles.

One of the earliest recorded Englishmen with the name was Curtiss de Auberville, a Norman knight who accompanied William the Conqueror during the invasion of England in 1066. He was granted lands in Wiltshire and his descendants continued to use the name for several generations.

In the 16th century, Curtiss Weston, an English diplomat and scholar, gained recognition for his work as an ambassador to the court of Emperor Charles V. He was also a noted translator and author, contributing to the Renaissance humanist movement.

During the American Colonial era, the name Curtiss was brought to the New World by early English and French settlers. One notable bearer was Curtiss Thaxter, a merchant and ship owner from Massachusetts who lived in the late 17th century and played a role in the establishment of the Plymouth Colony.

In the 19th century, Curtiss Wilbur, an American inventor and aviation pioneer, made significant contributions to the development of early aircraft. He is best known for designing and building the Wright Flyer, the first successful powered aircraft, along with his brother Wilbur Wright.