 Durisdeer is often taken as an Anglo-Latin corruption of "dorus doire", entrance to the wood or thicket; but the word "dair" is also an old Gaelic word for an oakwood, and this is probably why de Durisdeer had acorns on his seal.This is also an indication that Muirhead may very well have been his surname; other prominent Muirheads of the period also had acorns on their seals.De Durisdeer obtained a Bachelor's degree at the University of St Andrews, and in 1437 was admitted into the University of Paris, gaining a licentiate upon graduation in 1438.