duval

Duval is a surname of French origin derived from the phrase du Val, meaning “of the valley.” The toponymic source reflects a geographic description common in Old French, and the name has spread through regions influenced by French language and settlement. As a surname, Duval is borne by many individuals across politics, science, the arts, and sports, reflecting its broad use in Francophone and former French-ruled areas and beyond.

In geography, Duval appears in several place names in the United States and elsewhere. Duval County in Florida is a major jurisdiction that includes the city of Jacksonville; the county was named for William Pope Duval, the first governor of the Florida Territory. Duval Street is a famous thoroughfare in Key West, Florida, running through the historic downtown area and serving as a focal point for commerce and culture.

Beyond these, the name Duval is encountered as a personal surname in various countries and, less commonly, as a geographic toponym at smaller local scales in places with French heritage. Variants and related forms may appear in different languages and historical records. Overall, Duval exemplifies a concise French-origin name that functions both as a family surname and as a geographic marker in the Americas.