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Durwood

♂ Boy

Pronounced DUR-wood /ˈdɜr.wʊd/Medium

Meaning: Durwood comes from a surname rooted in Old English, generally read as 'door-ward' or 'gatekeeper' (the keeper of a great house's gate), related to the older name Durward. Adopted as an American first name, it carries that watchman's sense.Medium

In 30 seconds: Durwood means 'door-ward' or 'gatekeeper' (said 'DUR-wood'), from Old English by way of the name Durward. A surname-name peaking around 1943.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningDurwood comes from a surname rooted in Old English, generally read as 'door-ward' or 'gatekeeper' (the keeper of a great house's gate), related to the older name Durward. Adopted as an American first name, it carries that watchman's sense.

U.S. rank (1997)#9690 ↘ Falling

1997 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1943

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,688

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Durwood derives from Old English elements meaning 'door-ward' or 'gatekeeper,' close kin to the name Durward. American families adopted the surname as a first name, and it reached its high around 1943.

Durwood held on through the mid-twentieth century, then dwindled to rarity by the century's end. It sits with Elwood, Norwood, and Garwood among the -wood surname-names of that generation, reading today as a grandfather-era choice.

Did you know? The TV announcer Durwood Kirby, a familiar mid-century broadcast voice, gave the name a friendly public face at the very years it was most in use.

Overall data confidence 60%

References — Durwood — Surname-name, OE 'door-ward/gatekeeper'; related to Durward

Variations

DurwardDerwood

Nicknames

DurWoody

Famous Bearers

★Durwood Kirby (1911–2000)
American radio and television announcer and personality, long a co-host on network variety programs.

If you like Durwood…

Durward— the older name Durwood grew from

Elwood— a like -wood surname-name of the era

Norwood— another vintage -wood given name

Haywood— shares the -od ending

Linwood— shares the -od ending

Explore names like Durwood

By themeenglish vintage surname-name

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Durwood mean?

Durwood is from Old English elements meaning 'door-ward' or 'gatekeeper,' related to Durward.

How do you pronounce Durwood?

It's said DUR-wood /ˈdɜr.wʊd/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Durwood a boy or girl name?

Durwood is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Durwood?

Durwood is rare today. It was a mid-century surname-name that peaked in the nineteen-forties and has been uncommon since.