Jordan
Unisex nameHebrew
✨ Meaning
Jordan comes from the Hebrew 'yarad,' meaning to descend or flow down, and names the river that runs from the Sea of Galilee down to the Dead Sea, the lowest body of water on earth. The river's name is therefore a plain description of what it does. Because the Jordan is where the gospels place the baptism of Jesus, the name carries a strong association with beginnings.
🌍 Origin
Crusaders returning from the Holy Land brought back water from the river for baptisms and gave the name to their children, which is how a river name became a personal name in medieval Europe. Jordan has been used for both boys and girls in the modern English-speaking world and rose sharply in the late twentieth century.
📈 Popularity Trend
⭐ Famous People Named Jordan
- Jordan Peele
- Jordan Spieth
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jordan mean?
Jordan means 'to descend' or 'flowing down,' from the Hebrew 'yarad,' and names the river that runs down to the Dead Sea.
Why did Jordan become a personal name?
Crusaders brought water from the river home for baptisms and named children after it, which established it in medieval Europe.
Is Jordan a boy's or a girl's name?
It is used for both across the English-speaking world, with a modest lean toward boys.