Jordan Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Jordan come from? What does the surname Jordan mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Jordan and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Jordan Origin: What does the last name Jordan mean?
Jordan is a versatile surname with origins rooted in England, first appearing in historical records in the early 13th century. Derived from the Hebrew name Yarden, relating to the Jordan River in West Asia, it gained popularity as a first name during the Crusades. The surname Jordan has a global presence, with a notable frequency in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, and France. The name has historical ties to notable figures in Christianity, nobility, politics, music, literature, science, sports, television, film, and other professions, showcasing its diverse and widespread impact.YourRoots data confirms the surname Jordan's historical presence in the United Kingdom since the early 13th century, with a noticeable growth in the United States by the 16th century. Today, the Jordan surname is found in various countries worldwide, emphasizing its extensive reach and enduring legacy. This surname signifies a rich history and cultural significance, reflecting a blend of religious, historical, and societal influences that have shaped its prominence across different regions and time periods.
Jordan Last Name History: Where did the last name Jordan come from?
Origin of Jordan Surname: Where does the last name Jordan originate from?
The Jordan surname, as per the data from YourRoots, first emerged in the historical records in the United Kingdom, specifically England, around the early 13th century. It is vital to understand that this data is based on the exact spelling of "Jordan" and does not account for other record sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Jordan: What does the Jordan surname history look like in the early days?
The Jordan surname was initially associated with England, where it was most frequently recorded from the 13th to the 15th century according to YourRoots data. However, by the 16th century, the frequency of the Jordan surname started growing noticeably in the United States. This growth continued into the 17th and 18th centuries, with the United States surpassing England in the number of Jordan surname records.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Jordan surname today?
In the 20th and 21st centuries, the Jordan surname can be found primarily in the United States. However, it's worth noting that the Jordan surname has a global presence. Along with the United States and the United Kingdom, the surname appears in countries such as Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, and France. This wide geographical distribution signifies the global spread of the Jordan surname.
Explore Jordan last name heritage and Jordan surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Jordan Surame?
Michael B. Jordan
Michael Bakari Jordan (February 9, 1987 - present) is an American actor, producer, and director best known for his roles in major franchises like *Black Panther* and *Creed*. Jordan's breakout performance came in the critically acclaimed film *Fruitvale Station* (2013). He has since starred in various hit movies, including *Fantastic Four* (2015) and *Just Mercy* (2019). Named People's Sexiest Man Alive in 2020, Jordan continues to make waves in Hollywood with his talent and charisma.
Air Jordan
Air Jordan (born February 17, 1963) is a legendary basketball player who gained fame for his time with the Chicago Bulls. He is also known for his line of iconic sneakers, Air Jordan, produced by Nike. The brand, Jordan Brand, includes apparel and accessories and has become a multi-billion dollar business. Jordan's impact on the sports industry and pop culture is undeniable, making him a global icon in the world of basketball and fashion.
Hussein of Jordan
Hussein bin Talal (November 14, 1935 - February 7, 1999) was the King of Jordan for 46 years. He was known for his efforts to bring peace to the Middle East, signing a historic peace treaty with Israel in 1994. Despite facing multiple assassination attempts, Hussein was revered for his compassion and leadership, earning the nickname "Humane King" among Jordanians.
Jeffrey Jordan
Jeffrey Michael Jordan (born Nov 18, 1988) is a former American basketball player known for his time at the University of Illinois and the University of Central Florida. He is the eldest son of basketball legend Michael Jordan and co-founded the philanthropic foundation Heir Jordan with his brother Marcus. Jeffrey gained attention in high school with nationally televised games and later pursued a psychology major in college. Post-graduation, he interned at Nike before returning to basketball. Jeffrey now resides in Portland, Oregon, where he co-founded a consulting group and married Radina Aneva in 2019. Despite his success, he faced legal trouble in 2021 for assaulting hospital staff.
Crossing Jordan
Jordan Cavanaugh (Dr. Jordan Cavanaugh) is a fictional character portrayed by actress Jill Hennessy in the American crime drama television series "Crossing Jordan." As a forensic pathologist in the Boston Medical Examiner's Office, she is obsessed with solving violent crimes after her mother's murder. Jordan's character is known for her strong-willed and determined nature, making her a central figure in the show's ensemble cast. The series aired on NBC from 2001 to 2007, captivating audiences with its intriguing storylines and engaging characters.
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