Last Names

Surnames / D

Duran

What is the origin of the last name Duran?

Spanish originLocational (a place or landscape)Rank #349 in the US

Meaning and origin

The last name Duran originates from Spain and has its roots in the Latin word 'durare', meaning 'to endure' or 'to last'. This surname was often given to individuals who were known for their strength, resilience, or perseverance. It is associated with the Spanish region of Catalonia and is derived from the personal name Durand or Durán, which was commonly used during the medieval period. Over time, the name Duran has spread beyond Spain, becoming widespread in various countries around the world as a result of migration and cultural influence.

The longer story

Derived from the Spanish word "dura" meaning "hard," the name is believed to have originally referred to someone with a strong or resilient personality. The name Duran has significant prevalence in Spain, Latin America, and the Filipino community. It has also been adopted by people of various ethnic backgrounds around the world.

The Duran surname can be traced back to medieval times, with records of its usage dating back several centuries.

The surname Duran has multiple possible origins, adding to its complexity. One origin is Catalan, where it is believed to have originated as a habitational name from places called "d'Urrà" or "Duran." In this context, the name would have indicated someone who hailed from these regions or had ancestral ties to them.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.

Similar spellings

#349

Duran was the 349th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 89,401 people, about 30 in every 100,000.

Who carries it

  • White (non-Hispanic)9.9%
  • Hispanic or Latino87.1%
  • Black (non-Hispanic)0.5%
  • Asian or Pacific Islander1.2%
  • Two or more races0.4%
  • American Indian or Alaska Native0.8%

Where it is found

Countries linked to Duran.

Surnames like Duran

Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.

Check the sources

For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.