DURAND - Surname Meaning and Family History

From the Latin name Durandus meaning strong and enduring, the Durand surname comes from the Old French durant, meaning "enduring," derived from the Latin duruo, meaning "to harden or make strong." This surname is believed to have evolved simultaneously in several different cultures and may have been used to describe someone who is steadfast or, possibly, stubborn.

Durand may also be an Anglicized form of the Hungarian Durándi, a habitational name for someone from a place called Duránd, in former Szepes county.

Surname Origin: Latin, French, Scottish, English

Alternate Surname Spellings: DURANT, DURRAND, DURANTE, DURRANT, DURRANTE, DURRAN, DURRANCE, DURRENCE

Famous People with the DURAND Surname

• Asher Brown Durand - American painter
• William F. Durand - American aeronautical engineer
• Peter Durand - British inventor of the tin can
• Elias Durand - American botanist and pharmacist

Where is the DURAND Surname Most Common?

The Durand surname is most common in France according to Forebears, ranking as the 2nd most common surname in the country. WorldNames PublicProfiler also supports this, showing fairly even distribution of the Durand surname in departments across France. It is also somewhat common in other French-influenced countries, including Dominica, New Caledonia, Monaco, French Polynesia, Montserrat, Haiti, Peru and Canada.
 

Genealogy Resources for the Surname DURAND

Meanings of Common French Surnames
Uncover the meaning of your French last name with this free guide to the meanings and origins of common French surnames.

How to Research French Ancestry
If you are one of those people who have avoided delving into your French ancestry due to fears that the research would be too difficult, then wait no more! France is a country with excellent genealogical records, and it is very likely that you will be able to trace your French roots back several generations once you understand how and where the records are kept.

Durand Family Crest - It's Not What You Think
Contrary to what you may hear, there is no such thing as a Durand family crest or coat of arms for the Durand surname. Coats of arms are granted to individuals, not families, and may rightfully be used only by the uninterrupted male line descendants of the person to whom the coat of arms was originally granted.

The Duran Surname DNA Project
Individuals with the Duran surname, and variants such as Durand, are invited to participate in this group DNA project in an attempt to learn more about Durand family origins. The website includes information on the project, the research done to date, and instructions on how to participate.

DURAND Family Genealogy Forum
This free message board is focused on descendants of Durand ancestors around the world.

FamilySearch - DURAND Genealogy
Explore over 2 million results from digitized historical records and lineage-linked family trees related to the Durand surname on this free website hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

DURAND Surname Mailing List
Free mailing list for researchers of the Durand surname and its variations includes subscription details and a searchable archives of past messages.

DistantCousin.com - DURAND Genealogy & Family History
Explore free databases and genealogy links for the last name Durand.

GeneaNet - Durand Records
GeneaNet includes archival records, family trees, and other resources for individuals with the Durand surname, with a concentration on records and families from France and other European countries.

The Durand Genealogy and Family Tree Page
Browse genealogy records and links to genealogical and historical records for individuals with the Durand surname from the website of Genealogy Today.

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References: Surname Meanings & Origins

Cottle, Basil. Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Baltimore, MD: Penguin Books, 1967.

Dorward, David. Scottish Surnames. Collins Celtic (Pocket edition), 1998.

Fucilla, Joseph. Our Italian Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 2003.

Hanks, Patrick and Flavia Hodges. A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1989.

Hanks, Patrick. Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press, 2003.

Reaney, P.H. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1997.

Smith, Elsdon C. American Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997.

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