The word "Kurtiss" is an uncommon name with unique spelling. It is pronounced /kɜrtɪs/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "K" at the beginning indicates a proper noun, and the rest of the letters comprise the phonetic transcription of the name. The double "s" at the end is an unconventional and eye-catching feature, adding personality to the name. However, because of its irregular spelling, it may be challenging for some to pronounce or remember correctly.
There doesn't appear to be a widely recognized or documented etymology for the word "Kurtiss". It is possible that the word is a proper noun or a unique name, which might not have a specific etymology or meaning outside of its usage as an individual's name. It's worth noting that without additional context or information, it is difficult to provide a more precise answer.