Durrant Family Crest, Coat of Arms and Name History

Durrant Origin:

France

Origins of Durrant:

This interesting and unique name is of Norman origin, brought into England after the invasion of 1066 as the particular name “Durant”, it is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Durandus”, and acquires from the Olde French “durant” which means “surviving”, from “durer”, to survive, last, itself from the Latin “durus”, which means hard, strong. As a particular name, Durant and Durand were famous in the Middle Ages, listed in the Middle Ages, noted as “Durand” in 1115, Hampshire, “Doraunt” (1312, Yorkshire), and derived to mean “loyal,” and probably “obstinate.” The new surname can appear in at least thirteen different styles, ranging from Durant, Durand, Durrant and Durrand to Dorant, Dorran, and Dorrins. One Nathan Durant was an old traveler in the West Indies; he listed as a land- holder in the Barbadoes in 1678.

Variations:

More common variations are: Durrante, Durriant, Durant, Durrantee, Durrand, Durrent, Darrant, Daurant, Turrant, Dirrant.

England:

The surname Durrant was first found in Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and Salop, where they held a family seat from very early times and were donated estates by Duke William of Normandy, their true King, for their extraordinary service at the invasion of Hastings in 1066 AD.

The very first recorded spelling of the family was shown to be that of Walter Durand, dated about 1196, in the “Pipe Rolls of Westmoreland.” It was during the time of King Richard 1st, who was known to be the “The Lionheart,” dated 1189-1199. The origin of surnames during this period became a necessity with the introduction of personal taxation. It came to be known as Poll Tax in England. Surnames all over the country began to develop, with unique and shocking spelling varieties of the original one.

Ireland:

Many of the people with surname Durrant had moved to Ireland during the 17th century.

United States of America:

Individuals with the surname Durrant settled in the United States in four different centuries respectively in the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th. Some of the people with the name Durrant who settled in the United States in the 17th century included Richard Durrant arrived in Virginia in 1635. Thomas Durrant came with his wife and servants in Barbados in 1680.

Some of the people with the surname Durrant who settled in the United States in the 18th century included Thomas Durrant, who settled in Maryland in 1774. Thomas Durrant settled in Maryland in 1774.

The following century saw many more Durrant surnames arrive. Some of the people with the name Durrant who settled in the United States in the 19th century included William Durrant arrived in New York in 1846.

Some of the people with the name Durrant who settled in the United States in the 20th century included Horace W Durrant landed in Mississippi in 1905.

Canada:

Some of the people with the name Durrant who settled in Canada in the 19th century included Samuel Durrant landed in Canada in 1832.

Australia:

Some of the people with the surname Durrant who settled in Australia in the 19th century included James Durrant arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship “Isabella Watson” in 1846. David Durrant arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship “Branken Moor” in 1849. Jonathan Durrant arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship “Coromandel.”

New-Zealand:

Some of the people with the surname Durrant who settled in New Zealand in the 19th century included William Durrant arrived in Harbor Nicholson aboard the ship “Gertrude” in 1841. F. Durrant came to Nelson aboard the ship “Golconda” in 1859. James Durran and Mary Durrant, both arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship “Waimea” in 1876.

Here is the population distribution of the last name Durrant: England 7,582; United States 3,395; South Africa 1,443; Australia 1,294; Canada 840; Jamaica 518; New Zealand 355; Scotland 354; Germany 303; Wales 282.

Notable People:

Andi Durrant (born 1981), is an English radio actor, DJ and music composer.

Devin Durrant (born 1960), is an American retired basketball player.

Ian Durrant (born 1966), is a former Scottish soccer player.

Blazons & Genealogy Notes

1) (co. Derby). Sa. a fesse dancettee ar. in chief three fleurs-de-lis of the second. Crest—A lion ramp. ar. holding in the dexter paw a fleur-de-lis or, and in the mouth a sword ppr. hilt and pommel of the second, point downwards.
2) (Scottow, co. Norfolk, bart.). Motto—Labes pejor morte. Erm. a cross crosslet sa. Crest—A boar ar. bristled, armed, and langued or, pierced in the side with an arrow.