Durand
The origin of the surname Durand
Durand comes from the Latin durare, “to endure.”
What kind of surname is Durand?
As a descriptive surname (or nickname name), the surname Durand arose from a personal characteristic — a physical trait, a quality of temperament, or a distinguishing feature of its first bearer. Communities have always coined nicknames, and in the age before fixed surnames these vivid, affectionate or teasing labels — referring to hair colour, stature, complexion or character — frequently became hereditary. Descriptive surnames give an unusually human glimpse of an ancestor, hinting at how they looked or how they were regarded by the people around them.
How French surnames work
French surnames grew from patronymics, occupations (Boucher, “butcher”), locational names (often with “de”, “du” or “des”), and descriptive nicknames. Norman French carried many into England after 1066, and centuries of French pronunciation smoothed their forms. Regional languages such as Breton and Occitan added further distinctive names.
Variants & spellings
- Durant
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Durand mean?
The surname Durand means Enduring, firm. Durand comes from the Latin durare, “to endure.”
Where does the surname Durand come from?
Durand is a surname of French origin.
What kind of surname is Durand?
Durand is a descriptive surname, originally describing a physical or personal characteristic.
How common is the surname Durand in the United States?
Durand ranks #4,096 among U.S. surnames (2010 U.S. Census), recorded for about 7,999 people.