Curthose History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Curthose

What does the name Curthose mean?

The history of the name Curthose begins in the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes in Britain. It was a name for a person who was given the nickname of Short-hose, due to the fact that this individual wore half hose which reached the top of the knee, rather than covering the whole leg. 1 It is generally thought that the name originates from the Norman French word courtheuse ("short stockings").

Early Origins of the Curthose family

The surname Curthose was first found in Normandy, where Robert Curthose (c. 1051-1134),was the eldest son of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and was known as Robert II from 1087 to 1106.

In England, early rolls show Walter Curtehose (1210-1211) in Wiltshire; John Curthose (1287-1288); and Hugh Curthose in 1392. 1

Early History of the Curthose family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Curthose research. Another 59 words (4 lines of text) covering the year 1505 is included under the topic Early Curthose History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Curthose Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Curthose are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Curthose include: Shorthouse, Shortus, Shorthose, Shortis, Curthoys, Curthose and many more.

Early Notables of the Curthose family

More information is included under the topic Early Curthose Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Curthose family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Curthose or a variant listed above: Thomas Shorthouse who arrived in Philadelphia in 1797; another Thomas Shorthouse arrived in New York in 1822; Michael Shortis settled in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland in 1845..

Sources +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)