Jourdain is a common French surname and can also refer to various geographical locations in France. It is often associated with the Jourdain River, which flows through the region, contributing to the local ecosystem and agriculture. The name may also appear in historical contexts, linked to notable figures in French history. In literature, Jourdain is famously known as the character Monsieur Jourdain from Molière's play "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme." This character represents the aspirations of the middle class in 17th-century France, highlighting themes of social status and pretension. The play remains a significant work in French theatre.