Find out how popular the first name Durk has been for the last 8 years (from 1975 to 1982) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Durk by gender

Based on the last 8 years of data, Durk is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1982, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Durk.

The history of the first name Durk

The name Durk is a variant of the Germanic name Theodoric, derived from the elements "theudo" meaning "people" and "ric" meaning "ruler" or "king". It has its origins in the 5th century among the Germanic tribes of Europe.

The earliest recorded use of the name Durk can be traced back to the 9th century in the Frankish territories of modern-day France and Germany. It was a popular name among the Frankish nobility and was borne by several notable figures, including Durk, Count of Frisia, who ruled the coastal region of Frisia in the late 9th century.

During the Middle Ages, the name Durk gained popularity across various parts of Europe, particularly in the Low Countries and Germanic regions. It was often associated with strength, leadership, and warrior qualities. One notable bearer of the name was Durk Willemsz, a Dutch naval officer and explorer who led several expeditions to the East Indies in the early 17th century.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the name Durk was commonly found in the Netherlands and parts of Germany. Among the notable figures was Durk Evertsz, a Dutch navigator and cartographer who accompanied the famous explorer Willem Barentsz on his Arctic expeditions in the late 16th century.

Another famous bearer of the name was Durk Jansen, a Dutch sailor and naval hero who fought bravely against the English in the Anglo-Dutch Wars of the 17th century. He was born in 1635 and is remembered for his courage and skill in naval battles.

In the 18th century, Durk Raphaël Camphuysen, a Dutch painter and etcher, gained recognition for his detailed and realistic portrayal of maritime scenes and landscapes. He was born in 1586 and his works are celebrated for their technical mastery and attention to detail.

Over the centuries, the name Durk has maintained its presence, particularly in Dutch and Germanic communities, and continues to be used as a first name, albeit less commonly than its original form, Theodoric.

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 Durk was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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