The given name Courtney is of Norman French origin, derived from a surname and place name meaning 'domain of Curtius.' It began as a male given name in the 17th century, with notable early use in Britain. By the 18th century, it was adopted for women in the Southern United States, a trend that continued through the 19th century.

The name saw increased popularity for females in the mid-20th century, influenced by literary characters and later by television and film. A 1977 study suggested the name carried connotations of intelligence, leadership, and upper-class status. Its peak popularity in the US was in 1990. While spelling variations exist, the name has seen a general decline in recent years, last appearing in the top 1,000 names for American girls in 2017. It has also been used in other English-speaking countries.