Find out how popular the first name Durward has been for the last 17 years (from 1975 to 1991) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Durward by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Durward is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1991, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Durward.

The history of the first name Durward

The given name Durward has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the words "duru" meaning door and "weard" meaning guard or keeper. It was originally an occupational surname used to refer to a doorkeeper or gatekeeper, particularly in medieval times.

During the Middle Ages, the name Durward was associated with individuals who held the position of door-warden or porter, responsible for guarding the entrances of castles, monasteries, or other important buildings. This occupation carried a level of significance, as doorkeepers played a crucial role in maintaining security and controlling access.

The name can be traced back to the 12th century, with early recorded instances found in various historical documents from England and Scotland. One notable bearer of the name was Alan Durward, a Scottish nobleman who lived in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. He served as the Justiciar of Scotland and played a prominent role in Scottish politics during the reign of King William the Lion.

Another historical figure with the name Durward was Sir Ralph Durward, who lived in the late 13th century and was a member of the English nobility. He held the position of Warden of the Cinque Ports, which were important maritime towns in southern England responsible for providing ships and men for the king's service.

In the 14th century, Sir Thomas Durward was a Scottish knight who fought alongside Robert the Bruce during the Scottish Wars of Independence against England. He was captured at the Battle of Neville's Cross in 1346 but later released.

Moving into the 16th century, William Durward was an English courtier who served as a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber to King Henry VIII. He played a role in the dissolution of the monasteries and held significant influence during the English Reformation.

In the 18th century, James Durward was a Scottish scholar and antiquarian who made notable contributions to the study of Scottish history and literature. He authored several works, including "Remarks on the Antiquities of Rome and its Environs," published in 1757.

While the name Durward has fallen out of common usage in modern times, its historical significance and connections to medieval occupations and notable figures throughout the centuries provide insight into its rich linguistic and cultural heritage.

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

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

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