Find out how popular the first name Duran has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Duran by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Duran is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Duran.

The history of the first name Duran

The given name Duran has its origins in the Persian language, dating back to the 6th century AD during the Sassanid Empire in ancient Persia. It is derived from the Persian word "duran," which means "pearl" or "valuable jewel." The name was initially associated with wealth, beauty, and rarity.

In the 7th century, the name Duran spread to the Arabian Peninsula with the advent of Islam and the Islamic conquests. It gained popularity among Arab populations and was often given to boys born into affluent families or those with noble lineages.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Duran can be found in the 9th century literary work "The Book of Songs" by the renowned Persian poet Abul Qasim Firdausi. In this epic poem, a character named Duran is depicted as a brave and valiant warrior.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Duran. In the 12th century, Duran ibn Hammad was a celebrated Andalusian poet and philosopher from medieval Spain. In the 16th century, Duran al-Ghazi was a renowned Ottoman military commander known for his victories against the Safavid Empire in Persia.

During the 19th century, Duran Qoli Khan was a prominent Iranian statesman and diplomat who served as the Prime Minister of Persia from 1858 to 1859. In the early 20th century, Duran Parajon (1879-1957) was a prominent Colombian painter and sculptor known for his vibrant depictions of indigenous life and landscapes.

Another notable figure with the name Duran was Duran Duran, the famous English new wave band formed in Birmingham in 1978. Although not a person, the band's name was inspired by the character Duran Duran, a notorious villain from the 1968 science-fiction film "Barbarella."

These examples illustrate the rich history and cultural significance of the given name Duran, which has been associated with valor, beauty, and artistic expression throughout various civilizations and time periods.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Duran was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Duran, please contact us.

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