What does Gordan mean and where does it come from?
Gordan is of Croatian origin, derived from the Slavic word 'gora', meaning 'mountain' or 'hill'. The name is quite common in Croatia and Slovenia, and it is often used as a surname as well. Notable bearers include Gordan Kožulj, a Croatian professional basketball player. The name has variations like
Cultural significance
Gordan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Croatia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a person from a hill.
Peak popularity
Reached #1483 in 1931 — currently #950 in the US.
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Related Reading
Croatia-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Gordan?
Gordan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Gordan Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Gordan Rose
Floral · soft ending
Gordan Mae
Sweet · timeless
Gordan Claire
French influence · crisp
Gordan Jane
Literary · strong
Gordan Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Gordan right now?
Holding steady — currently #950 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #950 | 1,250 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #955 | 1,230 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #960 | 1,200 | ▲ up 8667 · +17043% births |
| 2015 | #9627 | 7 | ▼ down 1349 |
| 2000 | #8278 | 7 | ▼ down 2727 · -30% births |
| 1995 | #5551 | 10 | ▲ up 956 · +43% births |
| 1990 | #6507 | 7 | ▼ down 3033 · -42% births |
| 1980 | #3474 | 12 | ▼ down 811 · -8% births |
| 1970 | #2663 | 13 | ▼ down 131 · +18% births |
| 1965 | #2532 | 11 | ▼ down 527 · -35% births |
| 1960 | #2005 | 17 | ▲ up 1061 · +113% births |
| 1955 | #3066 | 8 | ▲ up 80 · +14% births |
| 1950 | #3146 | 7 | ▲ up 361 · +40% births |
| 1945 | #3507 | 5 | ▼ down 1461 · -62% births |
| 1940 | #2046 | 13 | — |
The story of Gordan
Gordan entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 1,026 total births recorded, Gordan remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2155 in 1915 to #950 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Gordan in 1931:
Gordan by decade
Gordan peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 114 | |
| 1920s ★ | 171 | |
| 1930s | 150 | |
| 1940s | 119 | |
| 1950s | 116 | |
| 1960s | 126 | |
| 1970s | 54 | |
| 1980s | 71 | |
| 1990s | 63 | |
| 2000s | 29 | |
| 2010s | 13 | |
💎With 1,026 total births, Gordan is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Gordan?
What names sound and feel like Gordan?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gordan also consider these
How is Gordan written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Gordan?
Common questions about the name Gordan
What does the name Gordan mean?
Gordan means "a person from a hill" — a name rooted in Croatia tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Gordan?
Gordan is currently ranked #950 as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Gordan?
Gordan originates from Croatia tradition. Croatia names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Gordan a common or rare name?
Gordan is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Gordan?
Gordan naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.