Jourdan is a French surname and given name, derived from the Latin word "Jordanus," which means "flowing down" or "descending." The name is often associated with the Jordan River, a significant river in Western Asia. In Hebrew, the name is translated as יורדן (Yarden). The surname Jourdan is common in France and other French-speaking regions, while the given name has been used in various forms across different cultures and languages, such as Jordan in English and Giordano in Italian. Historically, the name has been borne by notable individuals in various fields, including politics, arts, and sports. The Jourdan surname may also have variations like Jourda, Jourdan, or Jourdain, reflecting regional linguistic differences.