durant

Durant is a surname of French origin derived from the old French word durant, meaning lasting or enduring. It likely originated as a descriptive nickname for a steadfast person and later became a hereditary surname. The name spread to other countries and cultures through migration and settlement.

In the United States, Durant is the name of a city in Bryan County, Oklahoma. It serves as the county seat and is known for its regional institutions, including Southeastern Oklahoma State University. The city emerged in the late 19th century as a railroad town and developed as part of the broader growth of southern Oklahoma.

Notable individuals bearing the surname include Kevin Durant, an American professional basketball player recognized for his career in the National Basketball Association. The surname appears across various fields, with other people bearing the name contributing in areas such as sports, politics, and academia, though not all are widely known.

In addition to its use as a name, durant exists in French with meanings related to time and duration. As an adjective, it can mean lasting; as a preposition, durant is used to mean during, reflecting the word’s linguistic roots separate from its use as a surname or toponym.