Surname Durben - Meaning and Origin
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Durben: What does the surname Durben mean?
The surname Durben is of German origin, derived from the distinct, place-name Durben (also known as Durban). It is believed to take its name from the Old German word 'dornen', meaning 'thorn bushes', as many settlements of the region were surrounded by dense thorn bushes. As a result, the surname is likely to have belonged to those who lived in or nearby Durben.
Over time, variations of the name began to appear, such as Durben, Durban, Durbin, Dörben, Dörban, Dörbin and Dierben, among many others. There is even a variation in spelling between the German 'Durben' and French 'Durban,' further suggesting different spellings of the original place-name.
The name Durben is found worldwide, with many notable holders of the name being active in various industries, both political and non-political. For example, Major General Louis Durbin was a prominent figure during the American Revolutionary War, whilst Major Erich Durben was a highly decorated Nazi soldier during World War II.
Today, individuals with the surname Durben are mostly concentrated in Germany, where its earliest origin lies. The name, however, can also be found in Minor European countries, as well as in the United States, Canada, South Africa (where Durban the city is located), Australia and New Zealand, among many other countries.
Order DNA origin analysisDurben: Where does the name Durben come from?
The last name Durben is a fairly rare surname predominantly found in Germany. Specifically, the surname is most common in the region of North Rhine-Westphalia and in the smaller states of Hesse and Schleswig-Holstein. It is uncommon in other parts of the world, however it is possible to find a few families with the name living in other countries such as the United States and Canada.
In the United States, those with the surname are most commonly found in the states of Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. It is likely that people of German descent migrated to these states and brought their surnames with them.
In Canada, the Durben surname is scattered across the country but is more commonly recorded in the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, and British Columbia. Families likely migrated to these areas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Due to its rarity, the Durben surname might be associated with some unique family stories and traditions. By researching genealogical records, the history of the surname can be discovered. Each family’s story could provide interesting insights into the past and a greater understanding of the Durben name.
Variations of the surname Durben
The Durben surname is a German patronymic surname derived from the given name Durbe. Common variants of the name include Durban, Durbeen, Durbanne, Durbon, Durbann, Durbin, Durbano, Durbonne, and Durbahn. The spelling and surname vary depending on the region where the surname originated. For instance, the surname Durban is the most common variant of the name in England, while Durben is the most commonly found in German speaking countries.
It is believed that the Durben surname originated in Niedersachsen, Germany. The name means one who lived at “The Durbe,” and was likely bestowed up on a family who homesteaded in the area.
The Durban spelling of the surname is found mainly in England and Wales, but it is also found in Scotland and Ireland. It is believed the Durban spelling originated from Normandy, France where some migrated in the 11th and 12th centuries and then later to England. The surname is also found in other English speaking countries including the United States, Australia, and Canada.
The surname Durben is also found in Russian, Ukrainian, Polish and Czech speaking countries, as well as Romania, Hungary, and Bulgaria.
The various spellings and mutations of the name also develop over generations, as people migrate to other areas of the world, and the language and spelling of words changes. In some cases, people may even adopt a spelling of Durben as their surname.
No matter what spelling or mutation of the surname, the root of the name has the same meaning and same origin. The name Durben or its variants all refer to someone who is descended from the family who lived at The Durbe.
Famous people with the name Durben
- Wendy Durben: American makeup artist and special effects artist.
- Rob Durben: American professional Motocross racer.
- Barry Durben: American animator, director, storyboard artist and art director.
- Jamie Durben: American television news anchor and political reporter.
- Keith Durben: American voice actor and writer.
- Dennis Durben: American Major League Baseball pitcher.
- William Durben: American nasal and histologic surgeon.
- Janice Durben Hinchman: American astronaut.
- Adeline Durben: American politician serving as mayor of Monroe, Michigan.
- Kenneth Durbin: American politician and former New York state senator.
- Scott Durbin: American filmmaker and composer.
- Henry Durben: American painter.
- John Earl Durbin: American jazz musician and big band leader.
- Charles Durbin: American professional golfer.
- Carlos Durben: Chilean professional footballer.
- Christine Durben: American audiologist and dyslexia specialist.
- Margaret Durben Horsfield: American author and musician.
- Diane Durben: American jockey, the first female to win a Grade I stakes.
- Sal Durben: Australian filmmaker, entrepreneur and tech investor.
- Gretchen Durben: American professional basketball player.