Durval: a male name of Germanic origin meaning "This name means “leader of an army, heroic leader".It derives from the Germanic word "*harjaz *waldaʐ > Hereweald".
Durval has maintained its appeal as a masculine name in modern times while preserving its Germanic roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name means “leader of an army, heroic leader" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.
Quick Facts About Durval
Quick facts about Durval
Origin
Germanic
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name means “leader of an army, heroic leader.” The name derives from the Ancient Germanic “Hariwald,” composed of two elements: “*harjaz” (army, army leader, commander, warrior) plus “*waldaʐ” (ruler, might, mighty one, power, powerful one). Later, Old English (Anglo-Saxon) version is “Hereweald.” Harold I was King of England from 1035 to 1040. He was the younger son of Cnut the Great, king of England, Denmark, and Norway, by his first wife, Ælfgifu of Northampton. Saint Harold was a child martyr who was reported to have been slain by Jews in Gloucester, England, in 1168. He is one of a small group of 12th century English saints of strikingly similar characteristics. In essence, they were all young boys, all mysteriously found dead, and all hailed as martyrs to alleged anti-Christian practices among Jews.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
*harjaz *waldaʐ > Hereweald
How to Pronounce Durval
Durval is pronounced /ˈdʌr.vəl/(German)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Dur-val
Say it like: "DUR-VAL"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
Usage & Popularity
Durval is predominantly used in portuguese (brazilian) speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
portuguese (brazilian)
Frequently Asked Questions About Durval
What does the name Durval mean?
Durval means "This name means “leader of an army, heroic leader.” The name derives from the Ancient Germanic “Hariwald,” composed of two elements: “*harjaz” (army, army leader, commander, warrior) plus “*waldaʐ” (ruler, might, mighty one, power, powerful one). Later, Old English (Anglo-Saxon) version is “Hereweald.” Harold I was King of England from 1035 to 1040. He was the younger son of Cnut the Great, king of England, Denmark, and Norway, by his first wife, Ælfgifu of Northampton. Saint Harold was a child martyr who was reported to have been slain by Jews in Gloucester, England, in 1168. He is one of a small group of 12th century English saints of strikingly similar characteristics. In essence, they were all young boys, all mysteriously found dead, and all hailed as martyrs to alleged anti-Christian practices among Jews.". The name comes from *harjaz *waldaʐ > Hereweald. This germanic name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Durval for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name means “leader of an army, heroic leader.” The name derives from the Ancient Germanic “Hariwald,” composed of two elements: “*harjaz” (army, army leader, commander, warrior) plus “*waldaʐ” (ruler, might, mighty one, power, powerful one). Later, Old English (Anglo-Saxon) version is “Hereweald.” Harold I was King of England from 1035 to 1040. He was the younger son of Cnut the Great, king of England, Denmark, and Norway, by his first wife, Ælfgifu of Northampton. Saint Harold was a child martyr who was reported to have been slain by Jews in Gloucester, England, in 1168. He is one of a small group of 12th century English saints of strikingly similar characteristics. In essence, they were all young boys, all mysteriously found dead, and all hailed as martyrs to alleged anti-Christian practices among Jews." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Durval's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Durval?
Durval is a germanic name. The name traces back to *harjaz *waldaʐ > Hereweald. The name remains closely tied to portuguese (brazilian) naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The germanic meaning "This name means “leader of an army, heroic leader.” The name derives from the Ancient Germanic “Hariwald,” composed of two elements: “*harjaz” (army, army leader, commander, warrior) plus “*waldaʐ” (ruler, might, mighty one, power, powerful one). Later, Old English (Anglo-Saxon) version is “Hereweald.” Harold I was King of England from 1035 to 1040. He was the younger son of Cnut the Great, king of England, Denmark, and Norway, by his first wife, Ælfgifu of Northampton. Saint Harold was a child martyr who was reported to have been slain by Jews in Gloucester, England, in 1168. He is one of a small group of 12th century English saints of strikingly similar characteristics. In essence, they were all young boys, all mysteriously found dead, and all hailed as martyrs to alleged anti-Christian practices among Jews." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Durval a boy or girl name?
Durval is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In germanic tradition, Durval has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name means “leader of an army, heroic leader.” The name derives from the Ancient Germanic “Hariwald,” composed of two elements: “*harjaz” (army, army leader, commander, warrior) plus “*waldaʐ” (ruler, might, mighty one, power, powerful one). Later, Old English (Anglo-Saxon) version is “Hereweald.” Harold I was King of England from 1035 to 1040. He was the younger son of Cnut the Great, king of England, Denmark, and Norway, by his first wife, Ælfgifu of Northampton. Saint Harold was a child martyr who was reported to have been slain by Jews in Gloucester, England, in 1168. He is one of a small group of 12th century English saints of strikingly similar characteristics. In essence, they were all young boys, all mysteriously found dead, and all hailed as martyrs to alleged anti-Christian practices among Jews." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Durval?
Durval is pronounced "/ˈdʌr.vəl/". This pronunciation follows de language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Durval is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with germanic names, listening to a native speaker say Durval can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
What are common nicknames for Durval?
Durval is commonly used as a nickname for Ariovaldo. Being a shortened version of Ariovaldo, Durval offers a casual alternative that's quicker to say in everyday conversation. Many people named Ariovaldo go by Durval throughout their lives, using the full name only on official documents. In germanic cultures, using Durval as a nickname carries a sense of familiarity and warmth. This nickname pattern is common among boys and men, though some now use Durval as a given name on its own. Today, parents sometimes put Durval on the birth certificate directly, skipping the longer form entirely. This gives the child a name that feels both complete and approachable.
How popular is the name Durval?
Durval is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Durval offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Durval's popularity may vary between germanic communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name means “leader of an army, heroic leader.” The name derives from the Ancient Germanic “Hariwald,” composed of two elements: “*harjaz” (army, army leader, commander, warrior) plus “*waldaʐ” (ruler, might, mighty one, power, powerful one). Later, Old English (Anglo-Saxon) version is “Hereweald.” Harold I was King of England from 1035 to 1040. He was the younger son of Cnut the Great, king of England, Denmark, and Norway, by his first wife, Ælfgifu of Northampton. Saint Harold was a child martyr who was reported to have been slain by Jews in Gloucester, England, in 1168. He is one of a small group of 12th century English saints of strikingly similar characteristics. In essence, they were all young boys, all mysteriously found dead, and all hailed as martyrs to alleged anti-Christian practices among Jews." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Durval holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Durval commonly used?
Durval is used primarily in portuguese (brazilian) naming traditions. Though germanic in origin, Durval found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name means “leader of an army, heroic leader.” The name derives from the Ancient Germanic “Hariwald,” composed of two elements: “*harjaz” (army, army leader, commander, warrior) plus “*waldaʐ” (ruler, might, mighty one, power, powerful one). Later, Old English (Anglo-Saxon) version is “Hereweald.” Harold I was King of England from 1035 to 1040. He was the younger son of Cnut the Great, king of England, Denmark, and Norway, by his first wife, Ælfgifu of Northampton. Saint Harold was a child martyr who was reported to have been slain by Jews in Gloucester, England, in 1168. He is one of a small group of 12th century English saints of strikingly similar characteristics. In essence, they were all young boys, all mysteriously found dead, and all hailed as martyrs to alleged anti-Christian practices among Jews." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Durval into their naming traditions. A child named Durval will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Durval is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.