For decades, Durex has been one of the most instantly recognizable brand names in the world — printed on boxes in pharmacy aisles, referenced in countless jokes, woven into conversations about health and intimacy, and known as a global symbol of protection and trust. Because of that familiarity, most people never stopped to think about what the name actually meant. Many assumed it was a cheeky contraction of “during sex,” a playful nod to the product’s purpose.

Others thought it referred to something anatomical or slang-related, or even believed it was named after a scientist or inventor. The surprising reveal—that “Durex” is an acronym for Durability, Reliability, and Excellence—has sparked a wave of curiosity about the brand’s origins, leading many to discover a rich history that predates modern marketing by decades and reflects values rooted deeply in early industrial innovation.

To understand why the acronym shocked so many people, it helps to understand where Durex actually came from. The company began in 1915 as the London Rubber Company, founded by Lionel Jackson. At the time, the business had nothing glamorous about it; it sold imported barber supplies and general rubber goods. In the early 20th century, condoms, or “rubbers,” were not widely regulated, often unreliable, and frequently surrounded by stigma.