Most people have heard of Durex, the globally recognized condom brand that has been a staple in the world of sexual health for decades. However, what many are just now discovering—and are completely stunned by—is what the name “Durex” actually stands for. While some have speculated that it might be a playful abbreviation like “During Sex” or even assumed it was just a catchy name with no deeper meaning, the truth is quite different and far more practical.

According to a report by the BBC, the name Durex is actually derived from three core principles that define the brand’s mission: Durability, Reliability, and Excellence. That’s right—the brand name itself is an acronym that reflects the company’s commitment to quality and performance. This revelation has left people all over the world surprised, with many admitting they had never really thought about the origin of the name or assumed it had something to do with relationships or romance. One person said they always thought it was just a twist on the word “durable,” while others joked that it reminded them of an ex.

One woman even shared that she stumbled across the information while studying how brand names build value in the marketplace, comparing it to how some brands like Google have become verbs. She wrote, “Even Durex actually stands for Durability, Reliability, and Excellence,” highlighting how some companies embed their values into their branding in subtle but powerful ways. Another user joked, “Who knew that #DUREX name was derived from Durability, Reliability, and Excellence? Call me a Durex-beast in bed then! hahaha.” While the name might be news to many, Durex has been around for a long time—over 110 years, in fact. The company originally started as the London Rubber Company back in 1915. It wasn’t until 1929 that it adopted the name Durex, and by 1932, it had started manufacturing its own condoms. The brand began carving out a strong reputation in the sexual wellness space during the 1950s and hasn’t looked back since. Throughout its history, Durex has been a leader in innovation within the industry.

It was the first company to develop and implement electronic testing on its condoms to ensure maximum safety and effectiveness. It also pioneered the creation of the first anatomically shaped condom and became the first condom brand to go global in the 1970s, advertising across multiple countries and changing the public conversation around sexual health. By the late 1990s, Durex had earned a global “quality seal” and expanded its product line to include colorful, flavored, and latex-free options.

In the 2000s, the brand introduced textured condoms like ribbed and dotted varieties, as well as a broad range of lubricants, offering users more choices than ever before. According to British Heritage, the brand’s inception can be credited to Lucian Landau, a Polish student studying rubber technology, whose innovative thinking laid the groundwork for the company’s future success. Durex has embraced its legacy and continues to lead the industry by combining quality, performance, and education. On its official website, the company proudly states, “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.” Durex emphasizes that its products are electronically tested for holes, dermatologically tested for comfort, and consistently perform above standard in global quality checks. The company also collaborates with health professionals, scientists, and academics to improve sexual well-being worldwide. Their mission goes beyond just selling products—they aim to make sex feel good, be safe, and be accessible for everyone, no matter who you are or where you are. So now you know—Durex isn’t just a name you see in drugstores or vending machines. It’s a brand that represents Durability, Reliability, and Excellence, with a century-long legacy of quality and innovation. The next time you hear someone mention Durex, you’ll have a fun fact ready to share and maybe even a little more appreciation for a brand that’s built its name on more than just marketing—it’s built it on purpose.