Meaning & History
Durward is an English given name derived from the Durward occupational surname. The surname originates from Middle English durward or dwerward, meaning "door guard," an official who served as a door keeper in a noble household or castle. This role was historically important in medieval England and Scotland, where the Durards (a variant) held lands in Fife and served as hereditary doorkeepers to Scottish kings.
Cultural Significance
As a given name, Durward has been used primarily in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, following the fashion of adopting surnames as first names. It saw modest popularity in the United States in the early 20th century but is now rare.
Notable Bearers
Notable figures with this name include American journalist Durward G. Hall (1910–2001), who served as a U.S. Representative from Missouri and as the president of the Union Pacific Railroad. Another is author and journalist Durward W. J. Cruickshank (1914–2000), known for his works on mathematics and education.
Key Facts
- Meaning: "Door guard"
- Origin: English occupational surname
- Type: Given name (masculine)
- Usage regions: English-speaking countries