Surname Durrant - Meaning and Origin
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Durrant: What does the surname Durrant mean?
The last name Durrant is of French origin and primarily originates from the region of Normandy. The name is derived from the ancient French word "durant," meaning "enduring" or "lasting." It was often given as a nickname to an individual who was hardy, steadfast, or long-lasting, possibly referring to their endurance in battle, work, or other activities. This surname arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066 and became popular in the medieval period. Variations of Durrant include Durant, Durante, and Durrand.
Order DNA origin analysisDurrant: Where does the name Durrant come from?
The surname Durrant is of French origin and comes from the Old French word "durant" meaning "enduring" or "lasting". It was generally used as a nickname for someone who was steadfast, determined, or durable before becoming a hereditary surname. The surname Durrant was first found in county Somerset, England, where a family seat was held from ancient times, after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Today, the name Durrant is common in English-speaking countries, including England, Canada, the United States, and Australia. Within the United Kingdom, it is particularly prevalent in the East of England, specifically in counties such as Norfolk and Suffolk. However, it's worth noting that despite its frequency in these regions, Durrant is not a particularly common surname when compared to other surnames in these countries.
Variations of the surname Durrant
The surname Durrant has several variations and similar spellings which can be traced to the same origin. The most common variations of this surname include Durand, Durrand, Durant, Durante, and Durranty. Some less common variations are Durnad, Durnand, Durnand, Durran, Durandt and Durran.
Similar to many other surnames, the different spellings of the Durrant surname have evolved over time as a result of factors such as geographic location, illiteracy, and phonetic spelling. This large variation in spelling means that during genealogical research, it is important to consider all possible variations.
The surname Durrant is derived from the personal name Durand, which was popular in the Middle Ages. The name Durand originates from the French term "durant" meaning "enduring". Its Latin equivalent, “Durandus” was also widespread, and in Italy, the surname Durante was more common.
Some variations could be the result of immigration and subsequent anglicization of the name, while others could be the product of regional dialects and pronunciation. Therefore, even if the surname is spelled differently, it could still stem from the same original family name.
Famous people with the name Durrant
- Kevin Durrant: An American professional basketball player often regarded as one of the best NBA players.
- George Durrant: An American author, artist, and prominent member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Richard Durrant: A British guitarist and composer known for his virtuosity and versatility on multiple stringed instruments.
- Keith Durrant: A Canadian professional ice hockey player.
- Will Durrant: A famous American writer, philosopher, and historian.
- Mike Durrant: A professional British footballer who played as a goalkeeper.
- Richard Durrant: A British musician known for his work in folk and classical music.
- John Durrant: A British film and television editor.
- Spencer Durrant: An American author known for his work in the outdoor industry.
- Andy Durrant: A British radio presenter and DJ.
- Jeffrey Durrant: An American professional golfer.
- Stacey Durrant: A British actress known for her roles in stage productions.