Surname Durward - Meaning and Origin
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Durward: What does the surname Durward mean?
Durward is a surname of Scottish origin. The name traces back to the era of the Scottish king Alexander II, who reigned from 1214 to 1249. In Old Norman French, the term "Durward" is derived from "druard" or "druwart", which translates literally to 'door guard' or 'porter'. The term was initially used as an occupational title for those who held the position of royal door wardens or ushers under the king's court. They had the duty of protecting the door of the king's chamber, hence the name. The first recorded person with the surname Durward was Thomas de Lundin, also known as Thomas Durward, who lived during the reign of King Alexander II. The Durward family later gained significance in Scotland during the 13th century. Therefore, the surname Durward signifies one's association with historical royal responsibilities and illustrates a vital fragment of early Scottish history.
Order DNA origin analysisDurward: Where does the name Durward come from?
The surname Durward originates from Scotland. It derives from the Old French term "durward" which means "door guard," indicative of the family's historical occupation. The Durwards were a powerful family in Scotland during the 13th century, with Alan Durward being a notable figure who served as the High Justiciar of Scotland under King Alexander II.
Today, the Durward surname is not extremely common but it's most frequently found in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, according to data from the Forebears surname database. The highest density of Durwards can be found in Scotland, which aligns with its historical origin. However, its prevalence in English-speaking countries suggests that part of the Durward family may have migrated over the centuries, especially during times of political unrest, economic hardships, or the diaspora brought on by industrialization and the expansion of the British Empire.
Variations of the surname Durward
The surname Durward is of Scottish origin and primarily found in the region of Aberdeenshire. It is derived from the old French 'Dureve', meaning 'hard guard'. This surname was given to people who held the post of a doorward, a gatekeeper or watchman in a castle.
There are quite a few variants and alternative spellings for Durward, including Durward, Durwood, Durward, Durrod, Durrid, Duret, Durrad, Durrant, Durran, Durrow, and Doreward. Anglicized or phonetic spellings may also include Derward, Doorward, or Durwardt.
Surnames sharing the same origin (i.e. job titles) might incorporate similar themes or meanings in their etymology. Such surnames might include Porter (a gatekeeper), Bailey (an official of the castle or town), or Warden (a watchman or guard).
Note that spellings can vary greatly, especially given that many have evolved over time and have been influenced by regional dialects and phonetics. Therefore, the aforementioned variants are not exhaustive and further research may reveal more. The exact variant or spelling often depends on individual family ancestry and their personal recording of the name.
Famous people with the name Durward
- Alan Durward: He was a 13th Century Scottish nobleman who served as an advisor to Alexander II of Scotland. He was involved in many significant historical events during that period, including ongoing conflicts with the Kingdom of Norway.
- David Durward: A Canadian politician who served as the mayor of Cambridge, Ontario.
- Scott Durward: A Canadian actor known for his roles in movies such as "Outlander" (2008), "New in Town" (2009) and "Just Friends" (2005).
- S. J. A. Durward: The author of the novel "Coal Creek," which was published in 2011.
- Jackson Durward: Known for his role in the TV series "Broken Anchor" (2018). Please note that a majority of famous individuals with the surname 'Durward' are not widely recognized on a global scale but rather regionally in their specific fields.