“Duval” most commonly means “of the valley” or “from the valley,” coming from French and used both as a surname and, more recently, as a given name.

Main meanings of “Duval”

  • As a French surname , Duval comes from the Old French phrase “du val,” literally “of the valley,” originally given to people who lived in or near a valley.
  • As a first name , especially for boys, Duval keeps the same meaning “from the valley” and is often chosen for its nature-inspired vibe and French sound.

Cultural and place associations

  • In the United States, Duval is known as a surname for various public figures, and as a French-heritage family name in countries like France, Canada, Belgium, and Mauritius.
  • “Duval” is also widely recognized because of Duval County in Florida, where Jacksonville is located; fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars use “DUUUVAL!” as a chant to represent their city and county.

Quick forum-style recap

When people ask “what does Duval mean,” they’re usually talking about either the French name meaning “of the valley,” or the Jacksonville/Florida connection where “Duval” stands for local pride and the Jaguars fanbase.

TL;DR: “Duval” is originally a French name meaning “of the valley” or “from the valley,” and in modern culture it’s also shorthand for Duval County/Jacksonville, especially in sports and local identity.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.