Last Name Jourdan

The last name "Jourdan" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French personal name Jordan, which means "to flow down" or "descend." The name is believed to have originated from the River Jordan in the Middle East, and was likely brought to France during the time of the Crusades. Over time, the name Jordan evolved into different variations, such as Jourdan. Today, the surname Jourdan is found not only in France but also in other French-speaking countries and regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jourdan

The meaning and origin of the last name Jourdan

The surname Jourdan is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word "jordon" or "jurdain," which means "descendant of Jordan." It is believed to have originally been a personal name before becoming a surname. The name Jordan itself is of Hebrew origin, meaning "descending" or "flowing down," and was used as a personal name in medieval Europe. The surname Jourdan is commonly found in French-speaking regions and may have been passed down through generations within a family. It is possible that individuals with the surname Jourdan may have ancestors who were descended from someone named Jordan or were associated with the river Jordan in some way. Today, the surname Jourdan can be found in various countries around the world, with variations in spelling depending on the region.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jourdan

The surname Jourdan is primarily of French origin and is commonly found in countries with historical ties to France, such as France itself, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada. In France, the surname is most prevalent in regions such as Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Île-de-France, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. In Belgium, Jourdan is often found in the Walloon region, particularly in cities like Liège and Namur. In Switzerland, the surname is more common in the French-speaking cantons such as Geneva and Vaud. Additionally, due to French colonization, the surname can also be found in former French colonies like Haiti, Louisiana in the United States, and Quebec in Canada. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Jourdan reflects the historical and cultural connections between France and other countries around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jourdan

The last name Jourdan, which originates from the French word for "Jordan," can be spelled in various ways. Some common variations include Jordan, Jordon, Jordaan, Jourdin, Jordyn, and Jourdaine. These variations often reflect different regional influences, historical changes, or personal preferences in spelling. Despite the differences in spelling, the pronunciation of the name remains relatively consistent. The Jourdan surname has a long and rich history, with bearers of the name found in France, England, and other parts of the world. Each spelling variation may carry its own unique story or meaning, but ultimately, they all trace back to the same origins and continue to be used by individuals and families across different cultures and countries.

Famous people with the last name Jourdan

One famous person with the last name Jourdan is Louis Jourdan, a French actor known for his charming and debonair demeanor on the screen. Born in 1921, Jourdan starred in a number of Hollywood films in the 1950s and 1960s, including "Gigi" and "Letter from an Unknown Woman." His suave and sophisticated presence made him a popular leading man during his time in the industry. Another notable figure with the last name Jourdan is Melvin Jourdan, an American football player who played for the Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League. Known for his speed and agility on the field, Jourdan made a name for himself as a standout player during his time in the league. Both Louis and Melvin have left a lasting impact in their respective fields, cementing the Jourdan name in the annals of history.

Genealogical research on the last name Jourdan

The surname Jourdan has its roots in France, specifically in the regions of Normandy and Brittany. It is an occupational surname derived from the Old French word "jordan" or "jurdan," meaning "to flow down" or "down from." This suggests that the original bearer of the name may have been a person who lived near a river or stream. The earliest recorded instances of the surname Jourdan date back to the 12th century, with individuals bearing the name holding prominent positions in French society. Over time, the surname spread to other regions of Europe, including Spain, Italy, and England. Today, individuals with the last name Jourdan can be found worldwide, with notable figures in various fields such as politics, entertainment, and sports carrying the name. Tracing the genealogy of the Jourdan surname can uncover a rich history of diverse and accomplished individuals.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jourdan"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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