It was [name_m]Dante[/name_m] Alighieri’s full first name and it means ‘enduring.’ I like it a lot, especially since I am a HUGE [name_m]Dante[/name_m] fan, and he could use the nn [name_m]Dante[/name_m] just like THE [name_m]Dante[/name_m]. The only thing is, most people aren’t very familiar with this form of the name, and it could seem made-up to some - or just pretentious, since even the poet is just known as ‘[name_m]Dante[/name_m].’ What do you think?
I much prefer [name_m]Dante[/name_m] to Durante.
In what language does it mean ‘enduring’? It’s the Spanish word for during. It’s not a name to me, just a word in a foreign language.
The thing I hate most about the trend toward making up names by mashing popular sounds/syllables together is that it leads people to believe that some lesser known names are made up when in fact, they are completely legitimate names with a history of usage. Rail against that though I might, I do think it’s important to avoid names that are likely to be viewed negatively by many people. In your case, I would probably just stick with [name_m]Dante[/name_m]. I fear you would be lucky to have people find [name_m]Durante[/name_m] pretentious.
I’m taking Spanish right now, and we use the word “durante” meaning during, as in “I talked to the teacher during class” (in Spanish, obviously). So for me it’s too close to that to use as a name.
I’m sorry in advance if this comes across as classist, but it sounds like a name I would hear being called in a low income neighborhood. I can imagine having to order my food from [name_m]Durante[/name_m] at [name_m]McDonald[/name_m]'s. I agree with everything that freya said.
I much prefer the memorable name of [name_m]Dante[/name_m] to [name_m]Durante[/name_m]. It’s more of a surname and Spanish word than a first name for me. I just have an image of [name_m]Jimmy[/name_m] [name_m]Durante[/name_m] flash in my head. Anyone remember him? [name_m]Ah[/name_m]-cha-cha-chaaaa! 
I like [name_m]Durant[/name_m] without the “e” but I’m sure that takes away what you like about the name. I think [name_m]Dante[/name_m] is great. Better.
I’m guessing [name_m]Virgil[/name_m] is too much?