Jordan
Jordan is a girl's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
To flow down, descend.
Origin and history
Jordan is derived from the Hebrew name Yarden, meaning 'flowing down' or 'descend', referencing the River Jordan. Originally a place name and baptismal reference, it became a common given name in the Western world during the Crusades and gained strong unisex popularity in the United States in the late 20th century. Although it peaked higher for boys, it established a lasting presence as a classic choice for girls.
Popularity in the United States
135,599 babies in the United States have been named Jordan since 1880. It ranks #298 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #485.
States where it is most popular
- TX (9.1 %)
- CA (8.8 %)
- FL (5 %)
- OH (4.3 %)
- GA (4.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 29 |
| 1960-1970 | 62 |
| 1970-1980 | 832 |
| 1980-1990 | 13,787 |
| 1990-2000 | 61,757 |
| 2000-2010 | 43,184 |
| 2010-2019 | 12,187 |
| 2020-2029 | 3,761 |
Famous people named Jordan
- Jordan Sparks: Singer, Actress
- Jordan Baker: Fictional Character
Nicknames
Jordy, Jo, Jori
Fun facts
- Crusaders returning from the Holy Land brought home water from the Jordan River to baptize their children, establishing Jordan as a given name.
- Jordan experienced a sharp surge as a girl's name in the United States starting in the 1980s, becoming a classic unisex choice.