Durward

“keeper of the door”

Scotland origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1258US 2023

942Births / yr

→Stable

2.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 188400.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Durward

DER·werd

/ˈdɝ.wɝd/ · stress on DER · 2 syllables

“keeper of the door”

Scotland origin · Boy name

What does Durward mean and where does it come from?

Durward is of Scottish origin, derived from the Old English term meaning 'door-keeper'. Historically, it has been a surname and is relatively rare as a first name. The name may evoke images of strength and protection. It was recorded as a personal name from the late Middle Ages. Notable figures incl

Cultural significance

Durward has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of keeper of the door.

Peak popularity

Reached #514 in 1912 — currently #1258 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Durward?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Derward

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Durward?

Durward works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Durward Grace

How popular is Durward right now?

Holding steady — currently #1258 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1890–2023#1258 · Top 0.93%

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1258	942	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1263	922	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1268	892	▲ up 2903 · +9811% births
1980	#4171	9	▲ up 189 · +29% births
1975	#4360	7	▼ down 798 · -12% births
1970	#3562	8	▼ down 1617 · -53% births
1965	#1945	17	▼ down 17 · -6% births
1960	#1928	18	▼ down 542 · -42% births
1955	#1386	31	▲ up 128 · +29% births
1950	#1514	24	▼ down 361 · -27% births
1945	#1153	33	▼ down 70 · -11% births
1940	#1083	37	▼ down 35 · -3% births
1935	#1048	38	▲ up 10 · -12% births
1930	#1058	43	▼ down 382 · -52% births
1925	#676	90	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Durward

Best Year1915Rank #567

Peak Count942

Average Rank#1622

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1905 - 202319 years

The story of Durward

Durward has been a beloved American name for over 140 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1884. With 2,873 total births recorded, Durward remains relatively uncommon.

Names that peaked alongside Durward in 1912:

John William James Robert Joseph

Durward by decade

Durward peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	5
1890s	39
1900s	82
1910s	724
1920s ★	793
1930s	413
1940s	354
1950s	224
1960s	148
1970s	66
1980s	20
1990s	5

💎With 2,873 total births, Durward is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Durward?

Common

DurDuUrward

What names sound and feel like Durward?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Durward also consider these

Duward

American · Guardian of the

Duard

Scotland · Guardian or protector

Durenard

French · A French name

Durland

American · Enduring land

Durware

French · A French name

Burnard

England · bear strength

Burkard

International · A International name

Derward

American · Derived from Old

Common questions about the name Durward

What does the name Durward mean?

Durward means "keeper of the door" — a name rooted in Scotland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Durward?

Durward is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Durward?

Durward originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Durward?

Durward is a two-syllable name pronounced D ER1 W ER0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Durward a common or rare name?

Durward is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.