Surname Dures - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
Dures: What does the surname Dures mean?
The surname Dures is derived from the Old French word dur, which means "hard." It's likely the name was originally a nickname for someone who was determined, strong, or hard-working. Over time, it evolved into a surname passed down through generations. It may also be associated with location, as in some European cultures last names were often derived from geographical or topographical features. People named Dures could have been originally from an area known for difficult terrain or a challenging climate. The name is not very common and is most frequently found in France and the United Kingdom. It's important to note that the meaning and origin of surnames can vary greatly and can change over centuries and through migrations and cultural blending.
Order DNA origin analysisDures: Where does the name Dures come from?
The surname Dures is of English origin, dating back to medieval times. Its root can be traced back to the Old English word "dur," which means "door." It is thought that the name might have been an occupational name for a doorkeeper or a gatekeeper. Some early instances of this name date back to the 13th century in county Suffolk, England.
Today, this surname is quite rare and evenly scattered across the globe. However, you might find a slightly higher concentration in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia, due to historical migration patterns from the British Isles. As is the case with many other surnames with British roots, the spread of British colonialism and the English language to different parts of the world has contributed to the worldwide distribution of the name. However, it's important to note that with surnames, precise geographic distribution can be hard to ascertain due to the constant movement and migration of people across the globe.
Variations of the surname Dures
The surname Dures might have various spellings and variations depending on the geographical location and cultural influences. Some of them include Dure, Durre, Durres, Durer, Duresse, Durese, Duros, Duress, and Dyres.
There are possible connections to the French surname "Duret," which means hard or tough, and the German surname "Dürer". Moreover, the surname might also have links to the Scottish "Durie" and Irish "Doherty" or "Dougherty," but these need further genealogical research for confirmation.
Also, Dures might have been altered upon migration to English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and others. The surname might have been anglicized or shortened for easier pronunciation and integration. Hence, surnames like Dur, Durr, Dureson, or Durson might have the same origins.
It's also important to consider that surname origins can be occupational, geographical, descriptive, or patronymic (derived from the name of a father or ancestor). Therefore, tracing back the history of the surname might provide more possible variants. However, this analysis requires a thorough genealogical study with accurate historical records.
Famous people with the name Dures
- Bishop Robert Dures: Bishop Robert Dures is a Bishop within the Anglican Church in England and is the current Bishop of Portsmouth since January 2021.
- Oswald Dures: Oswald Dures is a French Olympic athlete, who competed in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games, where he achieved a 5th place in the Decathlon competition.
- Colin Dures: Colin Dures is an Australian born lawyer, and was the President and Managing Director of The Walt Disney Company Australia.
- Leon Dures: Leon Dures is the former chief of departments within the French military, and is well known for his part in modernizing the French Army.
- Virginia Dures: Virginia Dures is an American soil scientist, well known for her research into the Allan Block series of soil erosion control systems.
- Alex Dures: Alex Dures is a French professional beach volleyball player, and a former member of the French national beach volleyball team.
- June Dures: June Dures is a British artist, best known for her landscapes in watercolor and in pencil.
- Bill Dures: Bill Dures is a British composer and television writer, who is best known for his collaboration with renowned British composers John Williams and Maurice Jarre.
- John Dures: John Dures is an American theater and film director, who is well known for his adaptations of classic works such as Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet.