Durant Family History
Durant Surname Meaning
English (of Norman origin) and French: variant of Durand. English: variant of Darwent a habitational name from Derwent in Derbyshire (now submerged by the Ladybower Reservoir) or Darwen in Lancashire both named from rivers called Derwent or less frequently from similarly named rivers in Cumbria, Durham, Northumbria, and Yorkshire.
These names derive from a Celtic river name meaning ‘river where oak-trees grow abundantly’. The connection to rivers highlights the geographical significance associated with the name.
The name has also seen alterations, leading to the French variant Doiron, demonstrating the influence of language and culture over time.
Such variations often reflect both local geography and the historical migration of people, which can transform names as communities develop.
Overall, the name's evolution illustrates the rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural interconnections between England and France.
Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022