Names/Ola/Ola Jordan
EntertainmentPolish1982 – present

Ola Jordan

Professional dancer, Strictly Come Dancing winner

Biography

Ola Jordan is a Polish-English professional dancer born in 1982 who became a household name through her appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, the British adaptation of Dancing with the Stars. Partnered with celebrities including John Sergeant, Chris Hollins, and Kym Marsh, Jordan won the competition twice and earned a reputation for her technical skill, charisma, and ability to connect with viewers. Her success on the show made her one of the most recognizable faces in British television during the 2000s and 2010s. Beyond Strictly, Jordan has appeared on numerous TV programs, toured with dance shows, and built a successful career as an entertainer and personality. She married fellow Strictly professional James Jordan, and the couple has become media personalities in their own right, appearing on reality television and maintaining an active social media presence. Jordan's career demonstrates how ballroom dancing, traditionally niche, became mainstream entertainment through television.

The Name Ola

Ola, a Scandinavian name, became widely recognized in British popular culture through Jordan's long tenure as a beloved television personality.

Quick Facts
Category

Entertainment

Nationality

Polish

Born

1982

Thinking about the name

Ola

Scandinavian origin

A Scandinavian name derived from Old Norse 'Óláfr,' meaning 'ancestor's descendant' or 'family heir,' with roots in both Norwegian and Swedish royal traditions. Short and strong, Ola has maintained steady appeal across Nordic countries and increasingly internationally for its simplicity, directness, and connection to ancient heritage.