- It could be of Old French origin, derived from the name "Courtenay", which could ultimately be derived from the Latin word "curtus" meaning "short" or "stumpy".
- It could also be derived from the Cornish name "Curnew", meaning "Cornishman".
- In some cases, Courtney could also be a variant spelling of the Scottish surname "Curran", which is of Irish origin and derived from the Gaelic word "corann" meaning "a sickle" or "a small hook".