The name Kortney is a modern variant of the ancient Germanic name Curtnius or Courtney, which is derived from the Old French word "courtois," meaning "courtly" or "polite." The name's origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when it was commonly used in England and France.

In the 11th century, the name Courtney was first recorded in the Domesday Book, a survey of English landowners commissioned by William the Conqueror. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Reginald de Courtenay, a Norman nobleman who accompanied William the Conqueror during the Norman conquest of England in 1066.

The name Courtney gained prominence in the 12th and 13th centuries, with several notable individuals bearing the name. One of the most famous was William de Courtenay, who served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1381 to 1396. Another notable figure was Peter of Courtenay, who was elected as the Latin Emperor of Constantinople in 1216.

During the Renaissance period, the name Courtney was associated with literary figures and intellectuals. One notable example is Edward Courtenay, Earl of Devon (1526-1556), who was a patron of the arts and a supporter of the Protestant Reformation in England.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the name Courtney continued to be used among the English nobility and gentry. One prominent individual was Sir William Courtenay (1628-1702), an English politician and member of Parliament who supported the Glorious Revolution of 1688.

As the name evolved over time, various spellings emerged, including Kortney, Courtnie, and Courtny. These modern variants became popular in the late 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States and Canada.

In terms of notable individuals with the name Kortney, one prominent figure is Kortney Ryan Zizique (born 1978), an American filmmaker and visual artist. Another is Kortney Olson (born 1976), an American athlete and Olympic gold medalist in the sport of curling.

Other individuals with the name Kortney include Kortney Hause (born 1995), an English professional footballer, and Kortney Clemons (born 1987), an American actress and dancer. Additionally, Kortney Vance (born 1986) is an American professional basketball player.