Surname Durnian - Meaning and Origin
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Durnian: What does the surname Durnian mean?
The last name Durnian is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English name Dyering and is a variation of the word Dyer. A dyer is someone who works with textiles or fabrics, and typically specializes in coloring or staining them.
The earliest record of the surname dates back to 1208 when it was recorded as "Diering" in Leicestershire, England. During the 16th and 17th centuries, it was most commonly found in the area of Northumberland and Durham, in the northeast corner of England. By this time, the spelling of the family name had morphed into Durnian.
Throughout the years, members of the Durnian family have migrated to other parts of the world. In the United States, the family has contributed to many aspects of society, most notably in the fields of fashion, industry and military service.
The last name Durnian is seen as a testament to a long line of accomplished individuals who have followed in the footsteps of their ancestors. It is associated with hard work, resilience and tenacity, attributes which have allowed the family to thrive across the centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisDurnian: Where does the name Durnian come from?
The surname Durnian is an uncommon one that is primarily found in the UK and Ireland, with a scattering of people also bearing it in other parts of the world. The earliest records of the surname date back to the 1500s in the Kincardineshire region of Scotland, and the larger concentration of Durnian families today is still in the Scottish Borders and the Northern Isles. Records later revealed that this distinct surname migrated to Ireland at the height of the Great Famine, where notable instances of the surname have been found in the counties of Cork, Kerry and other parts of the northwest.
In modern times, however, Durnian is a much less common surname, with fewer than 1000 people having it as their last name. Of these, the majority bear the Durnian name in the United Kingdom, where it is most common in Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. It is also found in the United States, with East coast states such as Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York being the primary locations. A handful of people also bear the Durnian last name in Canada, Australia, and other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Durnian
Surname Durnian is derived from an ancient Celtic surname O’Durnane, which originated in the province of Munster in Ireland. It is spelled as Durnin, Durnain, Durnaine, Durnane, Durnayn, Durnayne, Duran, Durain, Duraine, Durane, Durayn, Durayne, Durney, Duraney, Durney, Durany, Durny, Durned, Durnes, Durns, and Durnys.
The shorter version of the name is "Duran." It is a variant of the name "O'Durnane," which was prominent in 11th century County Cork. The name appears in many forms, usually depending on the dialect. Duran has also been found spelled as Dyerne, and Dyreen.
The origin of the surname Durnian is mainly Gaelic and Irish, and it means "son or descendant of the dark-haired one." This surname is found in many other countries, such as Scotland, Wales, England, Canada, and America. It is believed to be of French origin too.
In Scotland and Wales, the name is commonly spelled as Durnain, Durnin, Durnayne, Duran, or Durney. It is also found as Durnane in Ireland, Duraine in England, and Durany in Canada and America. The spelling variations of the surname depend on the phonetic pronunciation and dialect of the spelling.
The meanings of this surname are derived from various sources. In some cases, the surnames are linked to one's occupation, identity, or affiliation, for example in the case of a patronymic. In other cases, the surnames may have an ethnic or geographical connection, for example denoting where a person is from.
Famous people with the name Durnian
- Topher Durnin: an actor best known for his work on the series "The Office"
- Don Durnin: a former NHL hockey player
- Ronnie Durnin: a former NFL football player
- Kevin Durnin: an actor and director
- Patrick Durnin: an author and lecturer
- Jon Durnian: a professional cyclist
- Brendan Durnian: a renowned painter
- Jimmy Durnin: a prominent Irish singer
- Amanda Durnian: a businesswoman and philanthropist
- Shirley Durnin: a former theatre actress