Contents [hide]

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

United States Australia New Zealand West Indies

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories 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 history of the Jordan family goes back to the Medieval landscape of northwestern France, to a region known as Brittany. It is derived from the family living in Brittany.

Early Origins of the Jordan family

The surname Jordan was first found in Brittany, where the family held a family seat since ancient times.

Early History of the Jordan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Jordan research. Another 294 words (21 lines of text) covering the years 1426, 1427, 1459, 1562, 1569, 1690, 1696, 1707, 1743, 1747, 1749, 1754, 1760, 1762, 1771, 1776, 1789, 1794, 1814, 1821, 1825, 1833, 1843, 1893 and 1897 are included under the topic Early Jordan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Jordan Spelling Variations

French surnames were subject to numerous alterations in spelling because of the various cultural groups that inhabited specific regions. Eventually, each region possessed its own local dialect of the French language. The early development of the French language, however, was also influenced by other languages. For example, Old French was infused with Germanic words and sounds when barbarian tribes invaded and settled in France after the fall of the Roman Empire. Middle French also borrowed heavily from the Italian language during the Renaissance. As a result of these linguistic and cultural influences, the name Jordan is distinguished by a number of regional variations. The many spelling variations of the name include Jourdan, Jordan, Jourdain, Jordain, Jourdaine, Jordaine, Jourde, Jorde, Jourdaneau, Jordaneau, Jourdanot, Jordanot, Jourdeneau, Jordeneau, Jourdenot, Jordenot, Jourdanet, Jordanet, Jourdenet, Jordenet, Jourdaney, Jordaney, Jourdeney, Jordeney, Jourdin, Jordin, Jourdon, Jordon, Jourdeau, Jordeau, Jourda, Denon, Denoncourt, Denonfoux, Denonville, Denet, Denot, Deneau, Danon, Danot and many more.

Early Notables of the Jordan family

Notable amongst this name at this time was

Camille Jordan (1771-1821), a politician
Alexis Jordan (1814-1897), a botanist

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

Jordan migration to the United States +

France was active as a cultural leader in the early 16th century. One particular area in which they lead was the exploration of the New World. The explorers, like Jacques Cartier in 1534, led the way to North America. Champlain, in 1608, made the first of twenty voyages to France to attract settlers and brought the first migrant in 1617. By 1675, there were 7000 French in Quebec, and the French Acadian presence in the Maritimes had reached 500. The French founded Lower Canada, thus becoming one of the two great founding nations of Canada. The family name Jordan has made many distinguished contributions in France and New France to the world of science, culture, religion, and education. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Jordan were

Jordan Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Cicely Jordan, aged 24, who landed in Virginia in 1610 aboard the ship "Swan" 7
Samuel Jordan, who arrived in Virginia in 1610 7
Sisley Jordan, who arrived in Virginia in 1610 7
William Jordan, who arrived in Virginia in 1622 7
Peter Jordan, who landed in Virginia in 1622 7
... (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 7
Eliza Jordan, who landed in Virginia in 1719 7
Claude Jordan, aged 19, who arrived in Louisiana in 1719 7
Antoine Jordan, aged 19, who arrived in Louisiana in 1719 7
Michael Jordan, who landed in Virginia in 1723 7
... (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 7
Mary Jordan, who landed in New York, NY in 1813 7
Nicolas Jordan, who arrived in Puerto Rico in 1816 7
Dennis Jordan, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1816 7
Sarah I Jordan, aged 24, who landed in Mobile, Ala in 1820-1873 7
... (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 8

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 9
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 9
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 9
... (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 7
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 10
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 11
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 12
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 13
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 13
... (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 14
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 14
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 14
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 14
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 14
... (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
Louis Jordan (1908-1975), American Jazz artist, songwriter and bandleader, known as the "The King of the Jukebox," in 2018, he posthumously received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
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)
... (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 15

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 16
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 16

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 17

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 18
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 18

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 19
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 19
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 19

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 20

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 21

Vimy Ridge

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

Citations +

"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