The globally renowned British new wave band Duran Duran chose their unique name inspired by a character from a cult classic science fiction film.
The Origins of the Name
Duran Duran's distinctive moniker originates from Roger Vadim's 1968 film Barbarella, a psychedelic science fiction classic starring Jane Fonda. In the movie, there is a villainous character named Dr. Durand-Durand, who is a mad scientist. This character was portrayed by actor Milo O'Shea.
The band members, being fans of the film, adopted this name. They modified it slightly by removing the hyphen, thus creating the memorable "Duran Duran."
- Film Inspiration: Barbarella (1968)
- Director: Roger Vadim
- Starring: Jane Fonda
- Character Source: Dr. Durand-Durand
- Actor Portraying Character: Milo O'Shea
This choice aligned perfectly with the band's futuristic, glamorous, and often avant-garde image, which became a hallmark of their sound and visual style throughout the 1980s and beyond. The name evokes a sense of otherworldliness and sophistication, reflecting the band's innovative approach to music, fashion, and groundbreaking music videos.
Impact and Legacy
The name "Duran Duran" quickly became synonymous with the New Romantic movement and the early MTV era, significantly contributing to their global appeal and iconic status. Its catchiness and unique origin story have made it one of the most recognizable and enduring band names in popular music history.
