Surname Duer - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
Duer: What does the surname Duer mean?
The surname Duer is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a locational name derived from 'Dure', a river in Wiltshire, England. The term derives from the Old English word "dur", which means "deer". Such locational surnames were usually given to the lord of the manor or to those who migrated from their birthplace and moved to another area. In the early development of the surname, the variations of Duer included Dore, Dorr, Doar, and other similar spellings. The family motto 'Spes mea Deus', affirms the family's faith with its translation as 'God is my hope'. Like many surnames, the meaning of Duer may have altered slightly over the centuries, but its primary interpretation remains connected to its geographical and animal-inspired roots.
Order DNA origin analysisDuer: Where does the name Duer come from?
The last name Duer is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is believed to descend from the Old English name "Deora," which means "beloved" or "dear." The name might have originally been a nickname given to someone beloved, cherished, or precious in the community. It later evolved from a given name to a family surname. In terms of geographical distribution, the Duer surname started in counties like Norfolk and Lincolnshire in England around the 12th and 13th centuries, gradually spreading across the country.
Today, the surname has scattered globally due to migration over the centuries. It is found in the United States, England, and Australia, amongst other countries. According to recent data, it is most prevalent in the United States, followed by England and Australia. However, in terms of the number of bearers in proportion to the total population, it is most common in New Zealand. Despite its spread, Duer remains a relatively rare surname.
Variations of the surname Duer
The surname Duer has several variants and can be found in different spellings across various cultures and regions. Some variations include Doerr, Dorr, Dore, Dorre, Duerr, Duhr, Door, Doe, and Deur. In German culture, the prevalent version is Dürr, which means dry or thin - a name that was generally given to someone lean or slender.
The surname also evolved into distinct surnames such as Durand, Durandeau and Durkin in France and Ireland, respectively. Durkin comes with its own variants such as Durkan, Durkin, and Durkan.
Derivative of the surname Duer also includes Dutch and Flemish surnames like Van der Duer and Van Duuren. The prefix ‘Van’ in these names denotes ‘from’ or ‘of’ suggesting a locational origin.
The other spelling variations or surnames of the same origin might be due to immigration or transliteration errors, local dialect influences, or adoption for easier pronunciation. However, it’s important to note that the variations may not always indicate family relationships or common ancestry and could coincide coincidentally. Careful genealogical research is required to establish such familial links.
Famous people with the name Duer
- William Duer: He was an American lawyer, developer, and speculator from New York City. He had served in the Continental Congress and the New York State Legislature.
- Alice Duer Miller: She was a famous American writer and poet, known primarily for her wit and feminist writing. She was also the niece of William Duer.
- Caroline King Duer: She was an American poet and editor, and the sister of Alice Duer Miller.
- John Duer: An eminent American lawyer and jurist from an old New York family. He served as a justice of the New York Supreme Court.
- William Alexander Duer: A prominent legal scholar and the son of William Duer. He served as the president of Columbia College (now Columbia University).
- Dianne Duer: An American costume designer known for her work on Hollywood films.
- Marcantonio Chiarlone Duer: An Italian footballer who played as a midfielder for several clubs in Italy.
- James Gore King Duer: He was a well-known American businessman and financier of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Henry Duer: A notable British sport shooter who competed in the early 20th century. This list includes those who have the Duer surname by birth, and does not include individuals who may have adopted the name through marriage.