Jodan
A boy's name of Hebrew origin with 27 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Jodan peaked during the Gen Z era, when 6 babies received this name in a single year (2008). That era was defined by globally influenced, diversity-driven naming, and Jodan has a more concentrated history, reflecting a specific cultural moment rather than a broad generational wave.
Jodan is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Jodan is a boy's baby name, most likely a variant of Jordan, from the Hebrew Yarden, meaning "to flow down" or "descend" — referring to the Jordan River, one of the most historically significant rivers in the world. Jordan has been a popular given name across multiple cultures, associated with Christian baptism and pilgrimage.
Jodan trims the name to a more compact two-syllable form, giving it a slightly different feel — less like the geographic/biblical reference and more like a standalone given name. The "-dan" ending connects it to names like Aidan, Brendan, and Rodan, giving Jodan a clean, modern brevity that works well in contemporary naming contexts.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Jodan belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their clean, contemporary ending — among the most common endings in modern American names. At two syllables, it has a two-beat rhythm that is easy to call across a room and natural in conversation.
Within the Hebrew naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Hebrew names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Jodan’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Jodan has 5+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1985.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 11 | — |
| 2000s | 11 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 5 | — |
The Story of Jodan
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2008, Jodan is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Jodan are most likely born between 1998 and 2014.
How rare is Jodan?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Jodan is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1985, peaked in the 2000s with 11 births that decade, and continues to thrive.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(5 years, 1985–2014)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 6 | #11376 |
| 2012 | 5 | #13157 |
| 2008 | 6 | #11762 |
| 2006 | 5 | #12934 |
| 1985 | 5 | #7033 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jodan a boy's or girl's name?
When was Jodan most popular?
How popular is the name Jodan?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1985–2014