Surname Dury - Meaning and Origin
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Dury: What does the surname Dury mean?
The surname Dury is of French origin and it refers to someone from any of various places called Dury in France. The name is believed to have been derived from the Gallo-Roman personal name 'Duracius' combined with the locative suffix "-acum". So, individuals with this surname could be descendants of someone who lived in these regions. As with many surnames, over time and with generations of family migration, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname can vary. Durey, Durie, Durrie are some of the spelling variants of Dury. Furthermore, these surnames shouldn't be confused with similar sounding Jewish surnames. As each country has different naming traditions, the exact meaning and origin of the last name Dury might differ based on geographical and cultural contexts. It is always advisable to look into the family history for a more accurate understanding.
Order DNA origin analysisDury: Where does the name Dury come from?
The surname Dury is of Scottish origin, originating from the Old French term "dur," which connotes hardiness, stubbornness, or endurance. The derivation is from the pre 10th century Gaelic-Irish surname "O’Duibhdhiormaigh," which, when anglicized, became "Dury."
The family held a family seat in the regions of Fife and Lothian in Scotland. The first recorded spelling of the family name, dated 1296, is rendered in the "Court Rolls of the Abbey of Ramsey," Cambridgeshire, during the reign of King Edward 1 of England.
Today, Dury is not a widely common surname. It can still be found in pockets of Scotland, but it has also spread worldwide through the Scottish diaspora, particularly to countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. It's worth noting the notoriety of the Dury name in England, primarily due to Ian Dury, a noted singer-songwriter from the late 20th century.
Variations of the surname Dury
The surname Dury is of French origin. Variations, alternate spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Durie, Duryee, Duryea, Durand, Durant, DuRy, D'Ury, Durry, Durrie, d'Urée, and Duré. Dury is derived from the old French word 'dure', which translates to 'hard' or 'strong'. It was often used as a nickname for a tough, enduring person.
In some cases, Dury may have also originated as a geographical surname, denoting someone hailing from places such as Dury in the Somme department of northern France, or Durisdeer in Scotland.
The Norman D'Urys, who came to Britain after the Norman Conquest, also share the same roots with this surname. Connected Scottish clan include the Durie Family Society, related to the Durie estate in Fife.
Duryee and Duryea are Americanized versions of the original surname and became more common after French Huguenots migrated to North America. These versions were most likely created to simplify the pronunciation or spelling. The different variants of the surname Dury can be found scattered across France, Belgium, Scotland, and the Americas to this day.
Famous people with the name Dury
- Ian Dury: The most prominent person with the last name Dury is Ian Dury. He was a British singer, songwriter and actor known for his band Ian Dury and the Blockheads.
- Baxter Dury: Ian Dury’s son, Baxter Dury, is a singer and songwriter known for his alternative style. He moved in the same music circles as his father and has also achieved considerable recognition.
- Jemima Dury: Jemima Dury is Ian Dury's daughter, who co-wrote a memoir with her brother Baxter, titled "Hallo Sausages," about life with their father.
- Kevin Brennan, Baron Brennan: Born Kevin John William Dury-Brennan, he is a British Life Peer and a member of the House of Lords.