Contents [hide]

Jordan History Etymology Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables World Ranking

United States Canada Australia New Zealand

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Motto Suggested Reading Citations

Jordan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
France
Ireland

Etymology of Jordan

What does the name Jordan mean?

The Jordan name comes from the Gaelic Mac Siúrtáin. It was adopted by one a Connacht family who came to Ireland with the Norman invasion of 1172. Ultimately, Jordan is derived from the name of the river Jordan, "Yarden" in Hebrew. The name first became popular in Europe as a personal name during the Crusades when it was a common practice for Crusaders to bring back vials containing the waters of this river to use in the baptism of their children.

Early Origins of the Jordan family

The surname Jordan was first found in Normandy where the name there was recorded as Jordanus as in the listing of Richard, Rovert and William Jordanus in 1189. 1

An earlier branch of the family came to Ireland with the "English invaders" in 1168 and at that time were known as De Exeter because they came from Exonia or Exeter in England. They accompanied Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke, in his invasion of Ireland, and acquired lands from King John the English King. In order to assume Irish patronymics, the name was changed to MacJordan after Jordan De Courcy (Jordan Teutonicus) who died in 1197.

As to underline this origin, the learned Edward MacLysaght, noted "Mac Siurtáin A Gaelic patronymic adopted by the d'Exeter family-one of those which acquired estates in Connacht after the Anglo-Norman invasion; it was later called MacJordan's country." 2

Another Chief Herald of Ireland, O'Hart quotes: "The De Exonias or De Exeters submitted to be called MacJordans, from one Jordan De Exonia, who was the first founder of the family." The family rose to become Lords of Athleathan, in the Barony of Gallen, and County of Mayo. 3

Early History of the Jordan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Jordan research. Another 83 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1641 and 1652 are included under the topic Early Jordan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Jordan Spelling Variations

Names were simply spelled as they sounded by medieval scribes and church officials. Therefore, during the lifetime of a single person, his name was often spelt in many different ways, explaining the many spelling variations encountered while researching the name Jordan. Some of these variations included: Jordan, Jordane, Jordain, Jordaine, Jourdan, Jourdane, Jorden, Jurden, Jurdon, MacShurtan, MacJordan, MacShurton, MacShurdane, MacShurtaine,McShurtan, McJordan, McShurton, McShurdane and many more.

Early Notables of the Jordan family

Notable amongst the family up to this time was

Jordan of Exeter...
Father Fulgentius Jordan was a member of the Augustinian Order, martyred in 1652...

Jordan World Ranking

In the United States, the name Jordan is the 110^th most popular surname with an estimated 193,986 people with that name. 4 However, in Canada, the name Jordan is ranked the 565^th most popular surname with an estimated 8,727 people with that name. 5 And in France, the name Jordan is the 2,423^rd popular surname with an estimated 2,500 - 3,000 people with that name. 6 Australia ranks Jordan as 308^th with 11,597 people. 7 New Zealand ranks Jordan as 255^th with 2,382 people. 8 The United Kingdom ranks Jordan as 229^th with 25,534 people. 9

Jordan migration to the United States +

Irish immigration to North American began in the late 18th century as many Irish families desired to own their own land. This pattern of immigration grew slowly yet steadily until the 1840s. At that time, a failed crop and a growing population in Ireland resulted in the Great Potato Famine. Poverty, disease, and starvation ravaged the land. To ease their pain and suffering the Irish often looked upon North America as a solution: hundreds of thousands undertook the voyage. Their arrival meant the growth of industry and commerce for British North America and the United States. For the individual Irishman, it meant survival and hope, and the opportunity for work, freedom, and ownership of land. The early immigration and passenger lists revealed many bearing the name Jordan:

Jordan Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Cicely Jordan, aged 24, who landed in Virginia in 1610 aboard the ship "Swan" 10
Samuel Jordan, who arrived in Virginia in 1610 10
Sisley Jordan, who arrived in Virginia in 1610 10
William Jordan, who arrived in Virginia in 1622 10
Peter Jordan, who landed in Virginia in 1622 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Jordan Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Guillame Jordan, who landed in Louisiana in 1718-1724 10
Eliza Jordan, who landed in Virginia in 1719 10
Claude Jordan, aged 19, who arrived in Louisiana in 1719 10
Antoine Jordan, aged 19, who arrived in Louisiana in 1719 10
Michael Jordan, who landed in Virginia in 1723 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Jordan Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Eva Cath Jordan, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1802 10
Mary Jordan, who landed in New York, NY in 1813 10
Nicolas Jordan, who arrived in Puerto Rico in 1816 10
Dennis Jordan, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1816 10
Sarah I Jordan, aged 24, who landed in Mobile, Ala in 1820-1873 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Jordan Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Mr. Wesley Charles Jordan, (b. 1885), aged 20, Cornish carpenter, from Helston, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Oceanic" arriving at Ellis Island, New York in 1905 en route to Lansford, Pennsylvania, USA 11

Jordan migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Jordan Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

James Jordan, who landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1749
Philip Jordan, who arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1750
Miss. Ambe Jordan U.E. who settled in New Brunswick c. 1783 was a passenger aboard "Cyrus" on August 21, 1783 from New York to Saint John River, listed as a child less than 10 years of age 12
Mr. Fraser Jordan U.E. who settled in New Brunswick c. 1783 was a passenger aboard "Cyrus" on August 21, 1783 from New York to Saint John River, listed as a child more than 10 years of age 12
Mr. Gilbert Jordan U.E. who settled in New Brunswick c. 1783 was a passenger aboard "Cyrus" on August 21, 1783 from New York to Saint John River, listed as a child more than 10 years of age 12
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Jordan Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Martin Jordan, aged 16, Scottish settler who arrived in Red River Settlement, Canada in 1811 10
Michael Jordan, aged 45, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the barque "Pallas" from Cork, Ireland
Michael Jordan, aged 20, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the barque "Pallas" from Cork, Ireland
David Jordan, aged 17, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the barque "Pallas" from Cork, Ireland
Michael Jordan, aged 25, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the barque "Pallas" from Cork, Ireland
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Jordan migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Jordan Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. William Jordan, British Convict who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
Mr. Charles Jordan, English convict who was convicted in London, England for life, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 16th January 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 14
Mr. Martin Jordan, (b. 1801), aged 26, Irish carpenter from Wexford who was convicted in Carlow, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Cambridge" on 2nd June 1827, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1835 15
Mr. John Jordan, English convict who was convicted in Bedford, Bedfordshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Eliza" on 25th June 1828, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
Mr. William Jordan, English convict who was convicted in Bedford, Bedfordshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Eliza" on 25th June 1828, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Jordan migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Jordan Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr. George Jordan, (b. 1805), aged 35, English tanner and sawyer born in Berry Pomeroy travelling from Plymouth aboard the ship "Timandra" arriving in New Plymouth, Taranaki, North Island, New Zealand on 24th February 1842 17
Mrs. Tabitha Jordan, (b. 1801), aged 38, English settler born in Ashcombe travelling from Plymouth aboard the ship "Timandra" arriving in New Plymouth, Taranaki, North Island, New Zealand on 24th February 1842 17
Miss Mary Ann Jordan, (b. 1828), aged 14, English settler born in Ashcombe travelling from Plymouth aboard the ship "Timandra" arriving in New Plymouth, Taranaki, North Island, New Zealand on 24th February 1842 17
Mr. John Jordan, (b. 1831), aged 11, English settler born in Ashcombe travelling from Plymouth aboard the ship "Timandra" arriving in New Plymouth, Taranaki, North Island, New Zealand on 24th February 1842 17
Mr. George Jordan, (b. 1831), aged 11, English settler born in Ashcombe travelling from Plymouth aboard the ship "Timandra" arriving in New Plymouth, Taranaki, North Island, New Zealand on 24th February 1842 17
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Jordan (post 1700) +

Vernon Eulion Jordan Jr. (1935-2021), American business executive and civil rights activist in the United States from Atlanta, Georgia
Robert Leon Jordan (1934-2024), American district judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee
Charles C. Jordan (1954-2023), American professional basketball player
James Daniel Jordan (b. 1964), American politician currently serving in his ninth term in the U.S. House of Representatives as the representative for Ohio's 4th congressional district since 2007
James Daniel Jordan (b. 1964), American politician serving as the U.S. representative for Ohio's 4th congressional district since 2007. A member of the Republican Party, Jordan is a former collegiate wrestler and college wrestling coach
Edward "Kidd" Jordan (1935-2023), American jazz saxophonist and music educator from New Orleans, Louisiana
Kristopher W. "Kris" Jordan (1977-2023), American politician, Member of the Ohio House of Representatives (2019-2023)
Leslie Allen Jordan (1955-2022), American Primetime Emmy Award winning actor, writer, and singer, best known for his roles as Lonnie Garr on Hearts Afire (1993–1995), Beverly Leslie on Will & Grace (2001–2006, 2017–2020)
Jeffery Flynn "Jeff" Jordan (1943-2022), American professional NFL football player who was a defensive back for three seasons for the Minnesota Vikings (1965-1968)
Shelby Lewis Jordan (1952-2022), American NFL offensive tackle for the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Raiders from 1975 to 1986, inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013
... (Another 203 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Jordan family +

Arrow Air Flight 1285

Mr. David A Jordan (1964-1985), American Private from Winfield, West Virginia, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 18

HMAS Sydney II

Mr. Horace David Jordan (1908-1941), Australian Able Seaman from Petersham, New South Wales, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 19
Mr. Ernest John Jordan (1919-1941), Australian Able Seaman from Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 19

HMS Dorsetshire

Herbert Mason Jordan (d. 1945), British Leading Seaman aboard the HMS Dorsetshire when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking 20

HMS Hood

Mr. Kenneth FA Jordan (b. 1911), English Leading Cook (S) serving for the Royal Navy from Bigglesworth, Bedfordshire, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 21
Mr. Geoffrey W Jordan (b. 1922), English Canteen Assistant serving for the Royal Navy from Deal, Kent, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 21

HMS Royal Oak

Ronald A. Jordan, British Marine with the Royal Marine aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking 22
Henry Daniel Jordan (1911-1939), British Corporal with the Royal Marine aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 22
Frederick Jordan (1901-1939), British Petty Officer Telegraphist with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 22

Pemberton Mill

Miss Catharine Jordan, factory worker in the Pemberton Mill on 10th January 1860 when the mill collapsed trapping 900 workers as rescue attempts continued into the night, an oil lantern was knocked over further engulfing the trapped workers in fire, she survived
Mr. William Jordan, factory worker in the Pemberton Mill on 10th January 1860 when the mill collapsed trapping 900 workers as rescue attempts continued into the night, an oil lantern was knocked over further engulfing the trapped workers in fire, he died

Prince of Wales colliery

Mr. Joseph Jordan (b. 1851), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 23

SS Newfoundland

Mr. Stephen Jordan (b. 1871), Newfoundlander from Pouch Cove, who on the 30th March 1914 he was part of the Seal Crew of the "SS Newfoundland" leaving the ship to intercept the Stephano which took him to the hunting grounds, he disembarked to begin sealing, but was caught in a thickening storm, attempting to return to the Newfoundland he and the 132 crew made camp for two days the sealers were stranded on the ice in a blizzard attempting to return to the ship, he survived
Mr. Bernard Jordan (1896-1914), Newfoundlander from Pouch Cove, who on the 30th March 1914 he was part of the Seal Crew of the "SS Newfoundland" leaving the ship to intercept the Stephano which took him to the hunting grounds, he disembarked to begin sealing, but was caught in a thickening storm, attempting to return to the Newfoundland he and the 132 crew made camp for two days the sealers were stranded on the ice in a blizzard attempting to return to the ship, he died during this time
Mr. Henry T Jordan (1892-1914), Newfoundlander from Pouch Cove, who on the 30th March 1914 he was part of the Seal Crew of the "SS Newfoundland" leaving the ship to intercept the Stephano which took him to the hunting grounds, he disembarked to begin sealing, but was caught in a thickening storm, attempting to return to the Newfoundland he and the 132 crew made camp for two days the sealers were stranded on the ice in a blizzard attempting to return to the ship, he died during this time
Mr. Thomas Jordan (1864-1914), Newfoundlander from Pouch Cove, who on the 30th March 1914 he was part of the Seal Crew of the "SS Newfoundland" leaving the ship to intercept the Stephano which took him to the hunting grounds, he disembarked to begin sealing, but was caught in a thickening storm, attempting to return to the Newfoundland he and the 132 crew made camp for two days the sealers were stranded on the ice in a blizzard attempting to return to the ship, he died during this time

USS Indianapolis

Henry Jordan, American crew member on board the ship "USS Indianapolis" when she was on a top secret trip for the first nuclear weapon, she was sunk by Japanese Navy on 30th July 1945, he was one of the many who were killed in the sinking due to exposure, dehydration, saltwater poisoning and shark attacks 24

Vimy Ridge

Murray Jordan (1897-1917), Canadian tea packer, Private in the 44th Battalion from Manitoba who died at Vimy Ridge April 1917

The Jordan Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Percussa Resurgo
Motto Translation: Struck down, I rise again

Citations +

The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
MacLysaght, Edward, Irish Families Their Names, Arms and Origins 4th Edition. Dublin: Irish Academic, 1982. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2364-7)
O'Hart, John, Irish Pedigrees 5th Edition in 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1976. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0737-4)
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 2nd December 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/cambridge
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 17th February 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/eliza
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
American War Memorials - Flight 1285. (Retrieved 2016, August 24) . Retrieved from http://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=317&MemID=550
HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
Force Z Survivors HMS Dorsetshire Crew List, (Retrieved 2018, February 13th), https://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listdorsetshirecrew.html
H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
Entombed in flood and flame (retrieved 3rd August 2021). Retrieved from https://web.archive.org/web/20120603025705/http://www.crosskeys.me.uk/history/prince.htm
Final Crew List, retrieved 2021, October 30th Retrieved from https://www.ussindianapolis.com/final-crew