Jordan Family Crest framed artprint - Irish origin

Celebrate your family heritage with a gift to cherish – the Jordan Family Crest framed and printed on museum-quality matte paper. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.

From Norman Knights to Connacht Chieftains: The Irish Recording of the Jordan Shield

While the surname Jordan is found worldwide today, this specific black and white coat of arms represents the legendary Hiberno-Norman branch of the family that became completely woven into the fabric of Irish history. The lineage traces its roots back to the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland in 1172, led by Jordan de Exeter, a powerful Norman lord who established vast territories in the west of Ireland. Over the centuries, his descendants completely assimilated into the native Gaelic culture, adopting the Irish name Mac Siúrtáin (MacJordan) and ruling the Barony of Gallen in County Mayo—an area so dominant it was officially designated on royal maps as "MacJordan's Country."

The symbolism of the Jordan family crest

This historic coat of arms features a clean white shield divided horizontally across the center by a thick black band, with a matching black lion shown in a steady, walking posture directly below it. The solid white background traditionally represents peace, sincerity, and purity, while the bold black elements signify constancy, determination, and an unyielding strength of will. The central black band mimics a knight's military belt or girdle of honor, an ancient badge of distinction awarded to leaders who successfully shouldered heavy administrative responsibilities. The walking black lion positioned at the base of the shield is a premier emblem of deathless courage, command, and a watchful guardian who acts as a protector of his people.

The origin story of the Jordan name

The surname Jordan is a patronymic and baptismal name with ancient, sacred roots tied directly to the River Jordan in the Middle East, deriving from the Hebrew verb Yarden, which translates historically to "to descend" or "flow down." Following the early medieval Crusades, it became a highly popular custom for returning knights, soldiers, and pilgrims to bring back vials of water from the holy river to baptize their newborn children. This popular baptismal name rapidly transformed into a permanent, hereditary family surname across Europe, with some of the earliest provable factual records appearing in the Hundred Rolls of England in 1273, which lists multiple independent Jordan families established as documented taxpayers.

Over the centuries, several notable historical figures have carried this surname to immense cultural and historical prestige. First is the legendary MacJordan Chieftain of Gallen, who was tragically slain in 1422 and was officially recorded in the ancient Irish annals as possessing "the strongest hand and the bravest heart of all of his time" in defending the province of Connacht. Centuries later, Sir Joseph Jordan (1603–1685) achieved massive renown as a highly decorated naval commander and Vice-Admiral whose strategic brilliance and bravery on the high seas secured his place in maritime history. In the 18th century, the name achieved ultimate artistic fame through Dorothea Jordan, an extraordinarily talented Irish-born actress who rose from humble beginnings to become the most celebrated comic performer of her generation on the stages of London and Dublin.

About the artist

Each crest featured on this site is an exact reproduction of an original artwork by heraldic artist Éamonn Breathnach. Éamonn’s designs are carefully researched, drawing from the earliest and most reliable heraldic archives. Noted for their elegance and precision, these artworks serve as meaningful gifts perfect for celebrating family milestones and special occasions with loved ones.

Product details

• Printed with water-based inks.
• Ayous wood .75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame sourced from renewable forests.
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm).
• Paper weight: 189 g/m².
• Protected by an Acrylite front cover.
• Includes hanging hardware for easy display.

No Warehouses. No Waste. Just for you, made to order.

This product is printed especially for you when ordered, one at a time, by royal decree of Mother Nature to keep the realm beautiful. By producing items on demand rather than in large quantities, we minimize waste and reduce overproduction.

Family Crests Store guarantees that all consumer products comply with strict EU and USA safety standards.

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