Surname Durna - Meaning and Origin

Durna: What does the surname Durna mean?

The last name Durna is a very old surname originating in the United Kingdom. Its origin is uncertain, but based on its spelling it is likely derived from an old English word or phrase such as “dyrne”, meaning “dwelling”, or “dorn”, meaning “proud”. The perplexing thing about this surname is that it has been put to so many varied uses over the course of its history. It can often describe a place, a manor, a church, a family line, or a particular area of expertise or activity for a family. In more recent times, the surname has taken on a variety of other meanings as well, including a kind of dry-stonewalling, and even a type of metalwork popular in the West Midlands area of England.

The common thread binding together all these meanings, however, is the idea of stability and permanence. By attaching the surname Durna to a person or place, it has become a symbol of familiarity and the unshakable foundations of families and communities. For many generations, the Durna surname has also been employed as a sign of good luck and protection in times of turmoil. Over the centuries, this unassuming yet powerful name has become a part of the history and culture of the British Isles.

Durna: Where does the name Durna come from?

The last name Durna is believed to have originated in the region of Bavaria in southeastern Germany. It is part of the Germanic family of names, derived from the Old German words 'dorn' and 'durna' meaning 'thorny bush'. It is not common today in Germany, but it does appear in many different European countries, including Poland, Hungary, Croatia and Austria, where immigrants who carried the name settled over generations.

The last name Durna is also found in the United States. This is mostly due to post-World War II immigration of European settlers, and its use in the U.S. is most common in former East Coast hubs such as New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. It is also sometimes found in Ohio and Pennsylvania as well, states which have also had a large influx of immigrants of European descent in the past.

The name Durna is not one of the most common last names in the world today, but it is still widely used in the countries that have received immigration from Europe. It is a reminder of the courage and industriousness of the early immigrants who carried the name as they set out for a new life in a foreign land.

Variations of the surname Durna

The surname Durna has several variants, spellings, and surnames that share the same origin. These variants and spellings include Durnan, Durann, Durnin, Durnal, Durnell, and Durneil. It is believed that the surname is of Irish origin, coming from the Gaelic O'Duirnin, which is derived from the word 'dornán', meaning 'Little Fist' or 'Small Island'. This surname first appeared in Ireland during the seventeenth century as families of wealthy landowners expanded to the rural areas. It has also been found in English records since the 1600s.

The Durnan variant of the surname is the most commonly found in Ireland, while the other variants are more common in Scotland. The Durnan variant is derived from the Anglo-Saxon 'dornan', meaning 'little fist' or ' little enclosure'. Similarly, the Durnal variant of the surname is an anglicized form of the Gaelic 'O'Duirnin', which was used by many Ulster-Scots in Northern Ireland.

While the spelling of the name can vary based on region, another surname that shares the same origin is Durney. This form of the surname is most commonly found in England and Wales and is an Anglicized version of 'Dornan'. Additionally, in some parts of North America, the surname is spelled Doirnin.

As a whole, the surname Durna is associated with several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. While there is some variation in spelling across different regions, all these alterations of the surname share the same origin of the Gaelic 'O'Duirnin'.

Famous people with the name Durna

• Stuart Durna: an Australian actor known for his roles on TV series Hellcats (2010), SheZow (2013), and Mako: Island of Secrets (2013).
• Sidney Durna: a Russian artist, who was well known for his many distinctive and bold landscape paintings.
• Jean-Charles Durna: a French sculptor whose work has been featured in exhibitions around the world.
• Antoni Durna: an architect from Poland who is known for his avant-garde designs.
• George Durna: an American poet who wrote many award-winning poems and stories.
• Liz Durna: a legendary singer from South Africa who released many successful albums and performed at several world events.
• Ewa Durna: a Polish artist whose drawings and paintings have been exhibited in various galleries around the world.
• Michael Durna: an American lawyer and philanthropist who is actively engaged in providing social justice to vulnerable and marginalized communities in the US.
• Rossana Durna: a Venezuelan fashion designer who is known for her luxurious and avant-garde dresses.
• Isabella Durna: a French-Italian actress who is currently a part of the popular TV series, The Borgias.

Other surnames

DurnianDurnin