Jourdan Surname

The Origins of the Surname Jourdan

The surname Jourdan is of French origin, deriving from the Old French word "jurdan" which means 'descendant of Jordan'. The name Jordan itself comes from the Hebrew name Yarden, meaning 'descender' or 'flowing down' in reference to the River Jordan in the Middle East. The surname Jourdan is therefore associated with the biblical river and carries religious connotations.

Historical Significance

The surname Jourdan can be traced back to medieval France, where it was commonly found among the nobility and landed gentry. The Jourdan family played a prominent role in French history, with several members holding important positions in government and the military. One of the most famous bearers of the surname was Jean-Baptiste Jourdan, a French general who served during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.

Over the centuries, the surname Jourdan spread beyond France to other parts of Europe and the world, carried by French immigrants and travelers. Today, it is found in countries such as the United States, Germany, Argentina, Uruguay, and Belgium, among others.

Variations and Spelling

Like many surnames, Jourdan has undergone various spelling changes and adaptations over time. In different regions and languages, it may be spelled as Jordan, Jordaan, Jordana, Jourdane, or Jourdán. These variations reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of the places where the surname is found.

Despite these differences, the core meaning and origin of the surname remain consistent, rooted in the biblical and historical associations of the name Jordan. This continuity has helped to maintain the identity and heritage of the Jourdan family across generations and borders.

Distribution and Incidence

The surname Jourdan is most commonly found in France, where it has a high incidence rate of 18,079. This reflects the historical and cultural significance of the name in its country of origin. Additionally, significant numbers of individuals with the surname Jourdan can be found in the United States (3,212), Germany (1,238), Argentina (601), and Uruguay (342).

While the surname Jourdan is most prevalent in French-speaking countries, it is also present in countries with historical connections to France, such as Belgium, Switzerland, and former French colonies in Africa and the Caribbean. The distribution of the surname Jourdan reflects the patterns of French migration and colonial expansion over the centuries.

Notable Bearers

Throughout history, individuals with the surname Jourdan have distinguished themselves in various fields, including politics, the military, academia, and the arts. In addition to General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan, other notable bearers of the name include French politician Marie Jourdan, American actress Dorothy Jourdan, and Belgian painter Jacques Jourdan.

These individuals have contributed to the reputation and legacy of the Jourdan family, helping to shape the perception of the surname in the public eye. Their achievements and influence have added to the cultural richness and diversity associated with the name Jourdan.

Modern Trends and Variations

In recent years, the surname Jourdan has seen a resurgence in popularity, both in France and internationally. This trend may be attributed to a renewed interest in genealogy and family history, as well as the increasing globalization of society. As more people connect with their roots and explore their ancestry, surnames like Jourdan gain new relevance and significance.

Furthermore, the surname Jourdan continues to evolve and adapt to contemporary naming conventions, with new variations and combinations emerging. Some individuals may choose to hyphenate or shorten their surname, while others may anglicize or modernize the spelling. These changes reflect the fluidity and flexibility of surnames as cultural markers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Jourdan holds a rich and diverse history that spans centuries and continents. From its origins in medieval France to its global presence today, the name Jourdan has maintained its connection to tradition and heritage. As a symbol of identity and lineage, the surname Jourdan embodies the shared experiences and values of the individuals who bear it.

The surname Jourdan within the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it can be done to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent takes place when it comes to Jourdan, which as you can corroborate, it may be stated it is a surname that may be present in all of the nations regarding the world. In the same way there are countries by which truly the density of individuals with the surname Jourdan is greater than far away.

The map associated with the Jourdan surname

View Jourdan surname map

The likelihood of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Jourdan on earth, assists us a great deal. By placing ourselves in the map, on a concrete nation, we could see the concrete amount of people with the surname Jourdan, to have in this way the precise information of the many Jourdan you could currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to understand not just where the surname Jourdan originates from, but also in what way individuals who are originally part of the household that bears the surname Jourdan have relocated and relocated. In the same way, it is possible to see in which places they will have settled and grown up, which is why if Jourdan is our surname, it seems interesting to which other nations regarding the globe it is possible that certain of our ancestors once moved to.

Nations with additional Jourdan on the planet

  1. France France (18079)
  2. United States United States (3212)
  3. Germany Germany (1238)
  4. Argentina Argentina (601)
  5. Uruguay Uruguay (342)
  6. Belgium Belgium (263)
  7. South Africa South Africa (205)
  8. Switzerland Switzerland (158)
  9. Brazil Brazil (156)
  10. England England (135)
  11. Italy Italy (101)
  12. Portugal Portugal (85)
  13. Indonesia Indonesia (82)
  14. Paraguay Paraguay (71)
  15. Canada Canada (61)
  16. French Polynesia French Polynesia (61)
  17. Netherlands Netherlands (48)
  18. Mexico Mexico (44)
  19. New Caledonia New Caledonia (42)
  20. Spain Spain (36)
  21. Benin Benin (26)
  22. Australia Australia (19)
  23. Sweden Sweden (18)
  24. Chile Chile (18)
  25. Norway Norway (14)
  26. New Zealand New Zealand (12)
  27. Thailand Thailand (10)
  28. Venezuela Venezuela (9)
  29. Puerto Rico Puerto Rico (9)
  30. Scotland Scotland (8)
  31. China China (8)
  32. Haiti Haiti (7)
  33. United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates (4)
  34. Singapore Singapore (4)
  35. Saint Martin Saint Martin (4)
  36. Denmark Denmark (4)
  37. Dominican Republic Dominican Republic (4)
  38. Jersey Jersey (3)
  39. Monaco Monaco (3)
  40. India India (2)
  41. Japan Japan (2)
  42. Luxembourg Luxembourg (2)
  43. Finland Finland (2)
  44. Wales Wales (1)
  45. Greece Greece (1)
  46. Russia Russia (1)
  47. Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia (1)
  48. Ireland Ireland (1)
  49. Israel Israel (1)
  50. Senegal Senegal (1)
  51. Austria Austria (1)
  52. El Salvador El Salvador (1)
  53. Bangladesh Bangladesh (1)
  54. Taiwan Taiwan (1)
  55. Jordan Jordan (1)
  56. Burkina Faso Burkina Faso (1)
  57. Cambodia Cambodia (1)
  58. Saint Barthélemy Saint Barthélemy (1)
  59. South Korea South Korea (1)
  60. U.S. Virgin Islands U.S. Virgin Islands (1)
  61. Vietnam Vietnam (1)
  62. Morocco Morocco (1)
  63. Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo (1)
  64. Ivory Coast Ivory Coast (1)
  65. Mali Mali (1)
  66. Mauritania Mauritania (1)
  67. Malta Malta (1)
  68. Colombia Colombia (1)
  69. Mauritius Mauritius (1)
  70. Costa Rica Costa Rica (1)
  71. Estonia Estonia (1)
  72. Panama Panama (1)
  73. Peru Peru (1)
  74. Philippines Philippines (1)
  75. Nothern Ireland Nothern Ireland (1)