What does Duval mean and where does it come from?
Duval is a French surname that translates to 'of the valley' (du = of, val = valley). It is commonly used both as a surname and given name, especially in regions influenced by French culture. In the United States, Duval may be associated with certain families and has gained recognition through vario
Cultural significance
Duval has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the valley..
Peak popularity
Reached #2382 in 1968 — currently #12857 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Duval?
Duval works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Duval Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Duval Rose
Floral · soft ending
Duval Mae
Sweet · timeless
Duval Claire
French influence · crisp
Duval Jane
Literary · strong
Duval Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Duval right now?
Falling — down 5758 spots — currently #12857 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #12857 | 5 | ▼ down 5758 · -29% births |
| 1995 | #7099 | 7 | ▼ down 2037 · -30% births |
| 1990 | #5062 | 10 | ▲ up 225 · +43% births |
| 1985 | #5287 | 7 | ▼ down 691 · -12% births |
| 1980 | #4596 | 8 | ▼ down 548 |
| 1975 | #4048 | 8 | ▼ down 1070 · -27% births |
| 1970 | #2978 | 11 | ▼ down 423 |
| 1965 | #2555 | 11 | ▲ up 1283 · +83% births |
| 1960 | #3838 | 6 | ▼ down 480 · -14% births |
| 1955 | #3358 | 7 | ▼ down 112 · -12% births |
| 1930 | #3246 | 8 | ▲ up 90 |
| 1925 | #3336 | 8 | ▲ up 374 · +14% births |
| 1920 | #3710 | 7 | ▼ down 374 |
| 1915 | #3336 | 7 | — |
The story of Duval
Duval entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. With 527 total births recorded, Duval remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3336 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12857 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Duval in 1968:
Duval by decade
Duval peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 27 | |
| 1920s | 63 | |
| 1930s | 33 | |
| 1940s | 21 | |
| 1950s | 51 | |
| 1960s | 80 | |
| 1970s | 66 | |
| 1980s ★ | 88 | |
| 1990s | 63 | |
| 2000s | 30 | |
| 2010s | 5 | |
💎Duval has only 527 total recorded births since 1915 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Duval?
What names sound and feel like Duval?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Duval also consider these
Common questions about the name Duval
What does the name Duval mean?
Duval means "from the valley." — a name rooted in France 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 Duval?
Duval 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 Duval?
Duval originates from France tradition. France 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 Duval?
Duval is a two-syllable name pronounced D UW0 V AE1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Duval a common or rare name?
Duval is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.