Last Name Durant

Learn more about the origin of the last name Durant

The meaning and origin of the last name Durant

The surname Durant is of Old French origin, derived from the word "durant" which means 'lasting' or 'enduring'. It was originally given to someone who was persistent, steadfast, or long-lived. Over time, it became a hereditary name passed down through generations in various regions of France, including Normandy and Picardy. As the Normans invaded England in 1066, many families with the Durant surname migrated to Britain, becoming part of English history. The spelling variations of the surname include Durand, Du Rant, and Du Rand, among others, reflecting changes in language and transcription over the centuries. Today, Durant is a common surname found not only in France and England but also in many other countries around the world, particularly in the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Durant

The surname Durant is predominantly distributed across North America and Western Europe. In North America, high concentrations are found in the United States, particularly in Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, reflecting its historical association with French colonization. Additionally, significant populations can be found in Canada, notably in Quebec and Ontario, due to French influence. In Europe, France is the birthplace of the name Durant, but it also has a presence in countries such as England, Belgium, and Switzerland, possibly as a result of emigration or familial ties. The name's global reach extends to Australia and South America, with smaller populations found in these regions as well. This geographical distribution suggests a rich history spanning multiple continents for the Durant surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Durant

The surname Durant has multiple variations and spellings, some of which include Durand, Du Randt, D'Urban, and Deurant. These alterations may be due to regional dialects or historical influences. For example, Durand is the French form of the name, while Du Randt is an Afrikaans version common in South Africa. D'Urban is a British surname derived from the Irish town of Durrow. Deurant is less common but can be found among people of Dutch or Flemish descent. These variations reflect the global migration patterns and cultural assimilation that have occurred throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Durant

Kevin Durant is arguably the most renowned individual bearing the surname Durant. An American professional basketball player, he currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was named NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2014 and has won two NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors. Apart from his athletic prowess, Durant is recognized for his philanthropy, particularly his foundation that supports underprivileged youth through education. Another notable figure with the last name Durant is Bernard Lawrence "Bernie" Durant, an American engineer who made significant contributions to the aerospace industry, including playing key roles in the development of both the Atlas and Titan intercontinental ballistic missiles during the Cold War era.

Genealogical research on the last name Durant

The surname Durant originated from Old French and Norman roots, deriving from the word 'duree,' meaning 'strong' or 'hardy.' Early records show that the name was predominantly found in the region of Normandy before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. One of the earliest recorded bearers of this name in England was Richard Durant, who lived during the reign of King Henry I (1100-1135). The Durants then spread across England and later to Scotland and Ireland with the Norman expansion into these territories. Notable descendants include James Durant, a British historian, and Helen Goulish Durant, an American linguist. In America, the name was first found among early settlers in Massachusetts and Virginia. The Durants are also prominent in Canada and Australia, where they arrived as colonists during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the surname Durant is prevalent throughout the English-speaking world and is a testament to the strong and hardy character of its early bearers.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Durant"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 10 June 2025