"to flow down, descend"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Jordan
Pronunciation: [ j-AWRD-uhn ]
Boy Name
#104 Most Popular
Steady
2 Syllables
A sacred river name made legendary by a sports icon
English
American
Hebrew
Arabic
Strong
Classic
Bold
Modern
Sporty
Meaning & Origin
"descending"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
"the river Jordan"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Michael Jordan, which may feel dated or pressure-inducing for some parents
The Story of Jordan
Jordan comes from the Hebrew name Yarden, derived from the root 'yarad' meaning 'to flow down' or 'to descend,' referring to the Jordan River in the Middle East. The river, which flows from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea, holds immense religious significance as the site of Jesus's baptism by John the Baptist. Crusaders brought the name to Europe in the Middle Ages.
Jordan surged to unprecedented popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, directly correlated with the rise of Michael Jordan as the greatest basketball player in history. The name peaked around 1991-1995 but has maintained steady use across genders. Its gender-neutral appeal has kept it relevant.
The Jordan River is sacred to Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike, making this one of the rare names with deep resonance across all three Abrahamic faiths. In American sports culture, Jordan is inseparable from Michael Jordan's legacy and the Air Jordan brand.
Fun Facts
- The Jordan River is mentioned over 175 times in the Bible
- Michael Jordan's Air Jordan brand became the most successful athlete endorsement in history
- Jordan is one of the most successfully gender-neutral names in American naming history
Jordan in Other Languages
Arabic
أردن
French
Jordan
Hebrew
יַרְדֵן
Russian
Иордан
Spanish
Jordán
Famous People Named Jordan
J
Jordan Peele
Artist
1979
Academy Award-winning filmmaker and director of 'Get Out' and 'Us'
M
Michael Jordan
Athlete
1963
Widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time, 6-time NBA champion and cultural icon
J
Jordan Peterson
Writer
1962
Canadian clinical psychologist and author whose bestselling book 12 Rules for Life sparked widespread cultural debate
J
Jordan Baker Fictional
Other
Fictional professional golfer in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #104
- Total SSA Count
- 3,326
- Cultural Origins
- English American Hebrew Arabic
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Jord
JJ
Pairs Well With
Jordan Michael
Jordan James
Jordan Lee
Jordan Scott
Jordan Alexander
Jordan Thomas
Jordan Reid
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Jordan is also used as a girl name, ranked #540.
View Jordan as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jordan
What does the name Jordan mean?
"to flow down, descend" (from Hebrew). "descending" (from Arabic). "the river Jordan" (from Hebrew). Jordan comes from the Hebrew name Yarden, derived from the root 'yarad' meaning 'to flow down' or 'to descend,' referring to the Jordan River in the Middle East. The river, which flows from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea, holds immense religious significance as the site of Jesus's baptism by John the Baptist. Crusaders brought the name to Europe in the Middle Ages.
What is the origin of the name Jordan?
Jordan has Hebrew, Arabic, English, and American origins. In Hebrew, it means "to flow down, descend". In Arabic, it means "descending". In Hebrew, it means "the river Jordan".
Is Jordan a boy or girl name?
Jordan is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #104. As a girl name, it is ranked #540. Jordan is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Jordan?
Jordan is pronounced j-AWRD-uhn.
How popular is the name Jordan?
Jordan is currently ranked #104 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Jordan?
Common nicknames for Jordan include Jord and JJ.
What are good middle names for Jordan?
Popular middle name pairings include Jordan Michael, Jordan James, Jordan Lee, Jordan Scott, Jordan Alexander, Jordan Thomas, and Jordan Reid.
What are good sibling names for Jordan?
Names that pair well with Jordan as siblings include Tyler, Ryan, Morgan, Taylor, Cameron, Dylan, and Logan.
How many syllables does Jordan have?
Jordan has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Jordan a common or rare name?
Jordan is a popular name, ranked #104 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Jordan
Jordan is a boy name with English, American, Hebrew, and Arabic origins . The name means "to flow down, descend" in Hebrew .
Is Jordan a boy or girl name? Jordan is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #104 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #540. Jordan is more commonly used as a boy name.
Jordan is currently ranked #104 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Jordan has 2 syllables and is pronounced j-AWRD-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Jordan include Jord and JJ. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Jordan include Jordy, Jordyn, Jordi, Jordon, Jorden . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.