Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Jordan
BoyHebrew· “to flow down”
- Meaning
- to flow down
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- JAWR-duhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #131
- US babies 2025
- 2,732
- Best rank
- #26 (1997)
- Peak year
- 1990
Meaning and origin of Jordan
Jordan is a Hebrew name that means “to flow down”.
Jordan takes its name from the River Jordan, which flows through the lands of the Bible, and its Hebrew name, Yarden, is usually explained as "descending" or "flowing down". The river was the site of John the Baptist's baptisms, and crusaders returning from the Holy Land sometimes brought back its water to baptize their children, who might then be named Jordan. The name was used in medieval England for boys, faded, and revived in the twentieth century. Basketball star Michael Jordan made the surname famous around the world. Today Jordan is used for both boys and girls, and it sounds smooth and modern.
Other spellings with the same sound: Jordon, Jorden.
Popularity over time
Jordan has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 142 different years. Its best national rank was #26 in 1997, and the most babies received it in 1990, when 16,137 were named Jordan. In 2025, 2,732 babies were named Jordan, and it ranked #131 nationally. That is 57% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #764 in 1920, #823 in 1950, #160 in 1980, #36 in 2000, #46 in 2010, and #131 in 2025. Of the 401,196 US boys named Jordan since records began, 36% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 101,187 babies. Since 2010, 86,485 more have been named Jordan.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Benjamin, Aaron, Sean, Travis, and Kyle.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Jordan ranked highest in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #103 | 68 |
| Rhode Island | #107 | 11 |
| New York | #110 | 162 |
| Illinois | #111 | 107 |
| Arkansas | #111 | 31 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 82% of US babies named Jordan over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Jordan is usually pronounced JAWR-duhn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with J and ends in “-an”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Jordon and Jorden.
Middle names for Jordan
A few middle names that flow with Jordan: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Jordan
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Lists that include Jordan
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jordan mean?
Jordan is a Hebrew name that means “to flow down”.
What is the origin of the name Jordan?
Jordan has Hebrew roots. Jordan takes its name from the River Jordan, which flows through the lands of the Bible, and its Hebrew name, Yarden, is usually explained as "descending" or "flowing down".
Is Jordan a popular name?
Yes. Jordan ranked #131 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Jordan a boy or girl name?
Jordan is mainly a boy's name. About 82% of US babies named Jordan over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Jordan?
Jordan is usually pronounced JAWR-duhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings