Durwood is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the Scottish surname "Durward," which is believed to have originated from one of two possible sources: either it was an occupational name for someone who worked in a dyehouse, as it comes from the Middle English word "dure" meaning "dyer," or it was a habitational name from any of several places called Durwood, particularly those found in Scotland.
The name Durwood gained popularity in the United States during the early 20th century. Although its exact origin and meaning may vary depending on the source, one common interpretation is that Durwood means "strong protector" or "brave guard," which could be linked to its possible derivation from the Scottish surname associated with military service.
Despite its historical roots in Scotland, Durwood is not particularly common in Scotland today. Instead, it has become more commonly associated with the United States, where it is often used as a given name rather than a surname. However, regardless of its popularity or origin, Durwood remains an uncommon and unique name that stands out among other names due to its distinctive sound and history.
In terms of its usage over time, Durwood has seen peaks in popularity during specific decades but has never reached widespread acceptance. According to the Social Security Administration's data on popular baby names in the United States, the highest rank Durwood ever achieved was in 1947, when it reached number 835 for boys' names. Since then, its popularity has steadily declined, and it is now considered quite rare.
Overall, the name Durwood offers an intriguing blend of historical roots and uniqueness that sets it apart from more commonly used names today. Its meaning as a "strong protector" or "brave guard" may resonate with parents looking for a strong and distinctive name for their child.
Based on the statistical data provided, we can observe the trend of the name Durwood over several decades in the United States.
From 1908 to 1939, the number of births with the name Durwood remained relatively consistent, ranging from a low of 6 births in 1908 to a high of 72 births in 1943. However, starting from 1945, there was a significant decrease in the popularity of this name. From 1945 to 1988, the number of births with the name Durwood fluctuated between 6 and 24 births per year, with most years reporting fewer than 20 births.
The total number of births with the name Durwood from 1908 to 1997 is 2688. This figure represents a considerable number of individuals named Durwood born in the United States during this period. However, it's important to note that this popularity has declined significantly over time.
Despite its historic popularity, the name Durwood appears to have fallen out of favor among parents choosing names for their children in recent decades.