Origin
Derived from the Hebrew name יְרדָנָה (Yərdānā), meaning 'to descend' or 'to flow down', from the roots ירד (yarad, 'to descend') and נה (not specifically in Hebrew but possibly related to a flow or river concept). The name has been adopted widely in Western cultures, with variants such as Jordana in Spanish and Italian. In Australia, the name gained popularity in the late 20th century, influenced by global naming trends and cultural exchanges.
Meaning
Literal translation is 'descend' or 'flow down', often metaphorically representing a waterfall or river, symbolising grace, fluidity, and connection to nature in Australian contexts.
Pronunciation
/dʒɔːrˈdænə/ (Australian English, with emphasis on the second syllable) — the ‘Jor’ sounds like 'jor' as in 'jordan', and the ending '-ana' as in 'banana' (but with a softer 'a').
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Jordana
- Jordanna
- Yordana
Nicknames
- Jordi
- Jordy
Name Days
- 23 September (European calendar)
- No specific Australian cultural or religious celebrations dedicated to Jordana; however, personal name days are recognised by some families and Christian communities around this date.
- Māori calendar: Not specifically associated with Māori traditions.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with jordana:
- Charlotte and Jordana
- Emily and Jordana
- Sophie and Jordana
Fun Facts
- The name Jordana is associated with the Jordan River, which holds significance in various religious traditions, including Christianity, relevant to Australian multicultural communities.
- Australian author Jordana Small is known for her contributions to children's literature.
- The name gained a boost in popularity during the 1980s following the release of films and literature featuring characters with similar names.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name jordana:
- creative
- graceful
- flowing personality
- outdoorsy qualities associated with river and water imagery
Aesthetic Qualities
Elegant and flowing visual appeal, with symmetrical letter distribution and a smooth phonetic flow that suits modern Australian tastes for distinctive but harmonious names.
Geographical Distribution
More common in urban areas and among families with an appreciation for multicultural and international names, especially in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Numerological Significance
Name number 9, associated with universal love, compassion, and humanitarian ideals, which reflect the warm and inclusive nature of Australian society.
Astrological Connections
Typically associated with the zodiac signs Cancer and Pisces, aligning with water symbolism and emotional depth in Australian astrology practices, enhancing its appeal for intuitive and empathetic individuals.
Historical Context
Jordana has been borne by notable Australian individuals such as Jordana Abraham, an influential figure in digital media, and fictional characters in Australian literature and media. Globally, it gained recognition through the Italian actress Jordana Brewster and in European literary works.
Linguistic Adaptability
Adaptable across languages, often kept as Jordana or adapted into localized variants such as Giordana in European contexts or Yordana in Slavic cultures.
Famous People Named jordana
- Jordana Brewster (Actress), Jordana Small (Author), Jordana Borensztajn (Educator) — all factors contributing to recognition in Australia.
- Fictional characters from Australian television and literature named Jordana have also contributed to its cultural presence.
- Australian athletes and artists with the name underscore its modern appeal.
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2015 | 1 |
2014 | 1 |