Last Name Jordana

The surname Jordana has multiple origins depending on the specific lineage. In some cases, it is derived from the medieval Spanish given name "Hordono," which later evolved into Jordano and eventually Jordana. This name may have originated as a diminutive form of the Germanic name Hormer or Horimund, meaning "home protection." Another possibility is that the surname Jordana comes from places named Jordana in Spain, Portugal, or Italy. For instance, there are several towns and villages in Spain called Jordana, which could have contributed to the formation of this surname. However, it's essential to note that the exact origin may vary for different families carrying the name Jordana, depending on their specific lineage and geographical location.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jordana

The meaning and origin of the last name Jordana

The surname Jordana is primarily of Spanish and Hebrew origin. In Spain, it's derived from the medieval toponymic name 'Jordán', which itself comes from the river Jordan, mentioned numerous times in the Old Testament of the Bible. This river was named after the Hebrew word Yarden, meaning "descending" or "flowing down". As a surname, Jordana signifies someone who lived near or originated from a place named Jordán or River Jordan. The spelling variations such as Jorde, Jordá, and Jordà in Catalan-speaking regions of Spain also reflect this origin. Over time, the name has been adopted by people outside of Spain due to migration and assimilation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jordana

The surname Jordana is predominantly distributed across Spain and Portugal, reflecting its Iberian origin. In Spain, it is most commonly found in the regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and Madrid, suggesting historical roots in these areas. In Portugal, the name is less frequent but can still be traced in various regions, particularly in the north. The diaspora of Spanish and Portuguese speakers has led to the dispersion of Jordana across South America, with significant numbers in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. Smaller communities carrying this surname can also be found in North America, Australia, and other parts of Europe. Notably, there is a Jordania (without the 'a' at the end) that refers to a region in the Middle East, but it is not directly related to the European surname Jordana.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jordana

The surname Jordana has multiple variations and spellings due to phonetic changes and regional differences. Some common variations include: Jordan-a, Jordan-ah, Jordan-oa, Jordano, Jorjana, Jorjanna, Jurjana, and Geordana. These variations may arise from different translations or interpretations of the name across various countries and cultures. Additionally, the spelling can also be influenced by local customs, such as using "a" instead of "o" in certain cases. It is essential to note that the correct spelling of a name can depend on its origin, although many variations may exist due to historical or linguistic reasons.

Famous people with the last name Jordana

Notable individuals with the surname Jordana include:

1. Aimee Jordana (born 1984), an American singer-songwriter known for her work on television shows such as Glee and The CW's Alienated.
2. Danielle Jordan-Jindra (born 1973), a former professional tennis player from the United States, who reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 50 in 1997.
3. Esther Jordana (born 1968), a Spanish actress and television presenter best known for hosting the game show Sésamo, the Spanish adaptation of Sesame Street.
4. Javier Jordana (born 1965), a Spanish politician who served as Minister of Science and Innovation in the government of Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero from 2008 to 2010.
5. Yitzhak Yedidya Jordana (1912-1977), a prominent Israeli rabbi who served as the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel from 1964 until his death in 1977.

Genealogical research on the last name Jordana

The Jordana surname originates from the Iberian Peninsula and is primarily associated with Spain and Portugal. It has several possible origins, with some suggesting it could derive from the Hebrew name Yehordan, meaning "descendant of Yehoram." Another theory points to its potential relationship with the medieval Jewish community in Spain, where the name could have been a variation of the biblical name Jehudah (Juda). However, it's also possible that Jordana is a geographical surname, originating from places like Cordoba or Santo Domingo de la Calzada in Spain. The Jordana family has been documented throughout history, with notable figures such as Pedro Jordana y Urriza, a Spanish military officer during the Napoleonic Wars, and Eduardo Jordana, a prominent 19th-century Spanish politician. The Jordana surname is still common in Spain, Portugal, and their diaspora communities around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jordana"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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