Cortez

Meaning of Cortez

This name comes from a Spanish surname. It likely refers to someone from a place with 'cortes' or 'courts,' possibly meaning a fortified place.

Cortez has Spanish roots — browse every Spanish baby name in our catalog.

Popularity of Cortez

After ranking as high as #741 in 2000, Cortez has fallen out of the US top 1,000 as of 2025.

Notable people named Cortez

• Hernán Cortés
  Spanish conquistador, conquered Aztec Empire
• Cortez Kennedy
  NFL defensive tackle legend
• Cortez Bryant
  Lil Wayne's manager, businessman
• Cortez Mitchell
  American actor, character actor
• Cortez Scott
  Former NFL player

More Spanish names

Questions about the name Cortez

What does the name Cortez mean?

Cortez means this name comes from a spanish surname. it likely refers to someone from a place with 'cortes' or 'courts,' possibly meaning a fortified place, and it comes from Spanish origins.

Is Cortez a boy's or a girl's name?

Cortez is most commonly used as a boy's name in the United States.

How popular is the name Cortez?

Cortez did not appear in the top 1,000 baby names in 2025, which makes it a genuinely uncommon pick.

When was Cortez most popular?

Cortez peaked at #741 in 2000.