Cortes Family History

Spanish (Cortés), Catalan (Cortès), and Portuguese (Cortês) are derived from a word meaning ‘courteous’ or ‘polite’, which itself is a derivative of corte meaning ‘court’. This was often used as a nickname for a refined person, sometimes given ironically.

In addition to its nicknaming roots, Spanish and Portuguese also use this as a habitational name. It originates from various locations in Spain and Portugal that are named with cortes, the plural of corte meaning ‘court’.

Furthermore, in England, particularly in Lancashire and Yorkshire, the name appears as a variant of Curtis. This reveals the name's diverse linguistic and geographical connections.