Check out your Irish Roots and get help with your genealogy research

Irish Surname - Jordan

Origin of the Irish surname Jordan

The Irish surname Jordan is of Anglo-Norman origin, derived from the personal name Jordan, which in turn comes from the Hebrew name יַרְדֵן (Yarden), meaning "to descend" or "to flow down." The name gained popularity during the Crusades, when many crusaders named their children after the River Jordan, which has religious significance in Christianity.

In Ireland, the Jordan surname is primarily found in counties Mayo and Kilkenny, where the Anglo-Normans settled after their arrival in the 12th century. The name has since become embedded in the Irish culture and is now considered a native Irish surname. It can also be found in other countries, such as England, Scotland, the United States, Canada, and Australia. The surname Jordan is ranked as the 105th most common surname in Ireland.

Interesting People with the Surname Jordan

Michael Jordan is a retired American basketball player who is widely considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. He played for the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards, winning six NBA championships and numerous individual awards throughout his career.
June Jordan was an American poet, essayist, teacher, and activist. She was known for her powerful writing that focused on civil rights, feminism, and social justice. She authored over 25 books and was a professor at several universities, including the University of California, Berkeley.
Barbara Jordan was an American lawyer, educator, and politician. She was the first African American woman to be elected to the Texas State Senate and the first African American woman from the South to be elected to the United States House of Representatives. She is best known for her eloquent speeches and her role in the impeachment process of President Richard Nixon.
Robert Jordan was the pen name of James Oliver Rigney Jr., an American author best known for his epic fantasy series "The Wheel of Time." The series has been a bestseller and has a devoted fanbase worldwide.
Vernon Jordan was an American business executive, civil rights activist, and attorney. He was a prominent figure in the American civil rights movement and served as an adviser to President Bill Clinton.

Variations of the Irish Surname Jordan

Jourdan is a French variation of the Irish surname Jordan, derived from the same personal name and sharing the same etymology.
Jourdain is another French variation of the surname Jordan, which is less common but still has the same origins.

Coat of Arms and Motto of the Irish Surname Jordan

There isn't a specific Coat of Arms and motto associated with the Irish surname Jordan, as Coat of Arms are granted to individuals rather than surnames or families. However, several different Coat of Arms have been granted to individuals with the surname Jordan throughout history in different locations.

As with other surnames, the Coat of Arms and mottoes associated with the Jordan name may vary significantly depending on the family's specific lineage and history. One example of a Coat of Arms associated with a Jordan family features a gold shield with three red diagonal bands. Above the shield is a helmet and a crest featuring a silver lion's head with a red band around its neck.

In general, mottos associated with various Jordan families can also differ significantly. It is important to research the specific history and lineage of a Jordan family to accurately determine the appropriate Coat of Arms and motto for that particular line.

Please Note

There is often limited information available on a specific coat of arms and motto for an Irish surname. Sometimes there are many variations, sometimes none, we have compiled a representative, but by no means exhaustive, selection. Please visit our Coat of Arms and Motto page for more information.