Map of Germany showing where the Jordan arms are recorded
The Jordan arms were recorded in Germany, c. 1765.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bavaria.
Bavaria was a country of old landed families and walled market towns. Estates passed down the same line for centuries, and both the landowners and the leading townsmen kept arms, which is why so many Bavarian names sit in the registers.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Germany in this period.
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
1745–1765
Reigning in Germany when the Jordan arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
In the Holy Roman Empire, coats of arms were often granted to individuals by the Emperor or his representatives. These arms were then passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants of the original holder. Younger branches of a family usually kept the same shield design without needing to change it, as the arms belonged to the entire lineage.
Granting authority
The Holy Roman Emperor held the sole power to grant new coats of arms throughout his vast imperial territories.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal imperial grant or by proving their noble status to the authorities.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Imperial Chancery registers, which began keeping formal records of such honors during the Middle Ages.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Germany.
Origin & History of the Jordan Family in Germany
The surname Jordan has deep roots in Germany, where it functioned as a name derived from the famous river in the Holy Land. During the Middle Ages, many families adopted this name after a relative returned from a pilgrimage to the Jordan River or after a child was baptized with water brought back from that site. By the time members of the family were documented in Bavaria in 1765, the name was already well-established across various German-speaking regions. These early ancestors were often part of the rural or middle-class population, working as farmers, craftsmen, or local officials. Because the name was tied to religious significance, it remained popular among families who valued their connection to Christian traditions. Over the centuries, these individuals helped shape the local culture of their Bavarian communities through their daily labor and participation in parish life.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur à la fasce ondée d'arg., acc. de deux étoiles (5) renv. d'or, 1 en chef et 1 en p. Brl. de gu. et d'arg. C.: un demi-vol aux armes de l'écu. L. d'or et d'azur.”
SwitzerlandBâle, c. 1745
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Map of Switzerland showing where the Jordan arms are recorded
The Jordan arms were recorded in Bâle, c. 1745.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Switzerland in this period.
How Arms Worked in Switzerland
In Switzerland, coats of arms were not restricted to the nobility and were often adopted by common citizens and families. These symbols were passed down through generations to show family identity. When branches of a family grew, they often changed small details of the design to distinguish their own line from the original group.
Granting authority
Cantonal and civic authorities managed the use of coats of arms within their specific regions and local jurisdictions.
How they got arms
Families typically assumed their own coats of arms based on local custom rather than receiving them from a central monarch.
Where arms were recorded
Arms were recorded in various cantonal and civic registers starting from the fourteenth century throughout the Swiss region.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Switzerland.
Origin & History of the Jordan Family in Switzerland
The family name Jordan has deep roots in the Swiss city of Bâle, where records confirm members of the family were well-established by 1745. The name itself is linked to the Jordan River, often adopted by people who had traveled to the Holy Land or by those who were baptized using water from that river. In the context of 18th-century Bâle, the Jordan family was part of the city’s vibrant merchant and civic culture. During this period, Bâle served as a major hub for trade and intellectual exchange in Europe. Families like the Jordans often played active roles in the local guilds and the administrative life of the city. By settling in this region, they became part of the unique social fabric of the Swiss Confederation, where they contributed to the local economy and the development of the city’s historical identity.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, ar. three mullets gu., JORDAN; 2nd and 3rd, sa. a chev. or, betw. three garbs ar”
LeicesterLeicester, c. 1415
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the Jordan arms are recorded
The Jordan arms were recorded in Leicester, c. 1415.
Leicestershire was grazing country, and wool and cattle made steady money rather than spectacular fortunes. Steady money bought manors, and manors are what brought families into the registers.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
Henry V of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry V of England
1413–1422
Reigning in Germany when the Jordan arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Leicester.
Origin & History of the Jordan Family in England
The family name Jordan has deep roots in England, where it emerged as a common surname during the Middle Ages. It is a patronymic name, which means it was originally derived from the given name of a father or ancestor. In this case, the name stems from the River Jordan in the Middle East. During the time of the Crusades, many soldiers and travelers returned to England after visiting the Holy Land. Some of these individuals brought back water from the river to baptize their children, which led to the name becoming a popular choice for boys. By the early 15th century, the family was well-established in the town of Leicester. Records from 1415 confirm that members of the Jordan family were active participants in the local community during this period. As the name spread across the country, it became a permanent fixture of English society, reflecting the historical connection between medieval religious life and the development of modern family names.
Jordan Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Yarden
Hebrew term meaning to descend or flow down.
This name
JordanRefers to the river where John the Baptist performed baptisms.
also spelled
Jorden
Jordaine
Jordayn
Related arms
Blancsimilar arms
Czarnowskisimilar arms
Kempesimilar arms
Jordainevariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt, 1967
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familien-Namen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
