The first name Jordan
A unisex name from Hebrew meaning “jordan (river)”.
Pronounced /ˈd͡ʒɔɹdən/ 2 syllables Unisex Also a surname
Meaning and origin
Hebrew origin
Jordan means “jordan (river)” in Hebrew.
From Latin Iordanēs, from Ancient Greek Ἰορδάνης (Iordánēs), from Biblical Hebrew יַרְדֵּן (yardén, “Jordan (river)”). Doublet of Yarden. The area in Hong Kong is named after Jordan station, which is named after Jordan Road, which in turn is named after Sir John Jordan.
From Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Popularity
Babies registered in England and Wales, 1996–2025
In 2025, 189 boys were named Jordan, making it the 248th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 1996, with 5,750 births (#11).
Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Jordan with other names.
Popularity in the United States
Babies named Jordan at birth, 1880–2025
In 2025, 2,732 boys born in the United States were named Jordan, the 131st most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 1990, when 16,137 were.
US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.
Jordan in other languages
Equivalent forms of the name, from Wiktionary
Spelled Jordan in French and German too.
Nicknames and spellings
Famous people named Jordan
186 on Wikidata, most written-about first
- Jordan PetersonCanadian clinical psychologist, author, and political commentator and manosphere activist , born 1962
- Jordan HendersonEnglish association football player (born 1990)
- Jordan PickfordEnglish footballer (born 1994)
- Jordan PeeleAmerican actor, comedian and filmmaker (born 1979)
- Jordan BelfortAmerican stockbroker, born 1962
- Jordan VeretoutFrench footballer (born 1993)
- Richard Jordan GatlingAmerican firearm designer (1818–1903)
- Jordan RudessAmerican keyboardist, born 1956
- Jordan LukakuBelgian association football player (born 1994)
- Jordan FarmarAmerican basketball player (born 1986)
- Jordan SpiethAmerican professional golfer, born 1993
- Jordan LaddAmerican actress, born 1975
More Hebrew unisex names
Questions
- What does the name Jordan mean?
- Jordan means “jordan (river)” in Hebrew.
- What is the origin of the name Jordan?
- From Latin Iordanēs, from Ancient Greek Ἰορδάνης (Iordánēs), from Biblical Hebrew יַרְדֵּן (yardén, “Jordan (river)”). Doublet of Yarden. The area in Hong Kong is named after Jordan station, which is named after Jordan Road, which in turn is named after Sir John Jordan.
- How popular is the name Jordan?
- In 2025, 189 boys born in England and Wales were named Jordan, ranking 248th. Its peak was 1996, with 5,750 births.
- What are nicknames for Jordan?
- Common nicknames for Jordan include Jords.
- Is Jordan a boy's or a girl's name?
- Both. Of the 536,795 US babies named Jordan since 1880, 25% were girls and 75% boys.
- When was Jordan most popular?
- 1990 in the United States, when 16,137 babies were named Jordan, its highest rank at 29th.
- How do you pronounce Jordan?
- Jordan is /ˈd͡ʒɔɹdən/, 2 syllables.
- What are other spellings of Jordan?
- Jordyn and Jourdynn.
- Is Jordan also a surname?
- Yes. Jordan is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.