The Truth Behind ‘Durex’: What Its Name Actually Stands For Has Stunned Many

People are just now discovering what the name "Durex" actually stands for, and it's not what many have assumed. Despite dominating the global condom market for what seems like an eternity, few truly understand the brand's origins.

In reality, Durex has been around for about 110 years. It started as the London Rubber Company in 1915, acquired the Durex trademark in 1929, and began focusing on new opportunities as a condom brand in the 1950s.

According to its extensive history page, Durex boasts numerous industry firsts. It created the first "anatomically shaped" rubber, was a pioneer in designing and using electronic testing on its products, and became the first condom brand to expand internationally and run advertisements in most countries in the 1970s.

By the late 1990s, Durex condoms had a worldwide "quality seal" as standard and offered a variety of flavored, multicolored, and latex-free options. The 2000s saw the introduction of ribbed and dotted condoms, alongside lubricants.

However, many people are unaware that its name is actually an abbreviation. Contrary to popular belief that it might relate to sexual activity, the BBC claims the name alludes to the company’s core values: Durability, Reliability, and Excellence.

Dozens of people worldwide have expressed shock at this revelation, admitting they were either unaware or had never given much thought to the name's meaning.

"I thought it is durable," one person commented, while others mentioned they thought it was a reference to a past partner.

Another user shared that she stumbled upon this interesting truth while researching brand names and how they build market capital. "Corona went dark once Covid hit while other brand names have become a verb like 'Googling it.' Even Durex actually stands for durability, reliability and excellence," she wrote.

One person humorously remarked, "Who knew that #DUREX name was derived from Durability, Reliability and Excellence? Call me a Durex-beast in bed then! hahaha."

British Heritage credits Lucian Landau, a Polish student of rubber technology, with founding the company, though Durex didn't start producing its own branded condoms until 1932.

Durex also emphasizes its commitment to quality on its website: "We’ve been making condoms with the finest raw materials since 1929, so we know a thing or two about performance. And we don’t just mean in the bedroom (or wherever you’re doing it)."

"Our condoms are electronically tested for holes, dermatologically tested for comfort, and they perform better than standard in global quality tests, so everyone everywhere is free to enjoy sex that feels good with anyone, anywhere."

"We partner with people who know all about sex. They’re health professionals, scientists and academics, and they’re on a mission to help us make sex feel good."

This certainly makes for an entertaining new fact to share at your next social gathering!

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Were you surprised by the true meaning behind the Durex name?