The surname Jordan has Anglo-Saxon and Norman roots. It is derived from a geographical location named Jordan, which could refer to several places in England. The name could also be a topographic name for someone who lived near a river or stream called Jordan, or it could be an occupational name for a person who worked as a sandal maker (from the Old English word "geord" meaning sandal). Alternatively, it may have been a nickname for someone thought to resemble a heron bird, as 'gereorde' is an old English term for heron. The Norman form of the name was Jourdain, which was brought to England by the Normans after their conquest in 1066 and became Jordan in Middle English.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Jorden
The meaning and origin of the last name Jorden
The surname Jorden is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Jorundr" or "Geirandr," both of which mean "spear ruler." Over time, this name evolved into various forms across different languages and regions, including Geir, Jorgensen, Jordan, and Jorden. The surname Jorden is primarily found in Scandinavian countries, such as Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, but has also spread to other parts of the world due to migration and historical events like the Viking invasions. In English-speaking countries, the name became popular during the Middle Ages, with early settlers adopting variations of it. Today, Jorden is a common surname in many countries and serves as a reminder of the Norse influence on European history and genealogy.
Geographical distribution of the last name Jorden
The surname Jorden is predominantly found in Western European countries, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium, where it originated from the Middle Dutch personal name "Joris" or "Gerardus." Over time, variations such as Jordan, Jorissen, and DeJordan emerged due to regional dialects and spelling conventions. In the United States, Jorden is most prevalent in states with significant Dutch-American communities like Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The surname can also be found in other parts of North America, Europe, Australia, and South Africa, reflecting migration patterns from its original European homeland over centuries.
Variants and spellings of the last name Jorden
The surname Jorden has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time and across different regions. Some common variants include Jordan, Jordaan, Jörden, Jördan, Jourden, Jurden, and Georden. These variations may stem from factors such as regional dialects, misspellings, or intentional changes in spelling. In English-speaking countries, the most commonly used variant is likely Jordan, which originates from the Hebrew name "Yair," meaning "mountain of God." However, the exact origins and variations of the name Jorden can vary depending on its use in different countries and cultures.
Famous people with the last name Jorden
Notable individuals with the surname Jordan include Michael Jordan, a retired American professional basketball player who played for the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, earning numerous accolades including five NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, 14 NBA All-Star game selections, and six NBA championships. In addition to his basketball career, Michael Jordan has also ventured into business and is the principal owner of the Charlotte Hornets franchise. Another famous Jordan is Katie Jordan, a British children's author known for her series "The Amazing World of Gumball." Although their careers are in different fields, both have achieved significant success and recognition with their respective talents.
Genealogical research on the last name Jorden
The surname Jorden originates from Germany and Scandinavia, derived from the Old Norse name "Jorundr" or the Middle High German name "Jordan." This name is comprised of the elements "jord," meaning earth, and "rundr," meaning protection or advice.
In Germany, the surname Jorden began to appear in records during the late Middle Ages, with notable mentions including Peter Jordan (1385) and Hans Jordan (1420). In Scandinavia, variants of the name include Jöransson and Jørgensen.
Notable individuals bearing the Jorden surname include:
1. Jan Jordaens (Flemish Baroque painter, 1593-1678)
2. Peter Paul Jordaens (Belgian painter, 1629-1705)
3. Carl Fredrik von Jordan (Swedish politician, 1794-1859)
4. Rolf Edvard Jordaan (Norwegian musician and songwriter, born 1965)
The Jorden family has spread globally due to migration, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries, and can now be found in various countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.
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.
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