Jo Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Jo is a diminutive name rooted in Hebrew, deriving from the name Yosef, which means 'God will add'. The name has evolved through various languages, maintaining its connection to biblical narratives. Today, Jo is seen as a warm and friendly name, often used in various forms and associated with notable figures in history and popular culture.
The name Jo is most popular in Arkansas, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Silent Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Jo has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Jo' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2360th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1323rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1480th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2363rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4169th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8065th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 11453rd out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 372nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 83rd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 84th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 304th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1225th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4992nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4292nd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Jo' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Jo"
Pronunciation
/dʒoʊ/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Jo is often considered a diminutive form of names such as Joseph or Joanna, which are derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning 'He will add' or 'God will increase'.
Meaning
God will add
Language Evolution
Yosef (Hebrew), Iosephus (Latin), Joseph (Old French), Jo (Modern English)
Biblical Background
The name Jo has biblical significance as it is connected to Joseph, a prominent figure in the Bible known for his dreams and his rise to power in Egypt.
Historical Usage
The name Jo gained popularity as a standalone name in the 20th century, often used as a short form or nickname for longer names.
Variants & Derivatives
Joseph, Joanna, Josie, Jodie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Jo is perceived as a friendly and approachable name, often associated with warmth and simplicity.
Famous People
Joan of Arc, Joan Baez, Joey Tribbiani (fictional character from 'Friends'), Joanne Rowling (J.K. Rowling)
Explore More Jo Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Jo"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Jo"
"Jo" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2360th of 7545 | 191 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1323rd of 6773 | 487 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1480th of 7552 | 531 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2363rd of 10718 | 264 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4169th of 16616 | 190 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 8065th of 24088 | 127 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 11453rd of 23106 | 56 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 372nd of 9107 | 5,614 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 83rd of 9204 | 55,523 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 84th of 12526 | 101,136 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 304th of 19264 | 13,607 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1225th of 27321 | 2,090 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 4992nd of 35406 | 416 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 4292nd of 30306 | 401 |
Regional Popularity of "Jo" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
90.19% 2134th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
57.93% 1363rd/2353 |
73.11% 1131st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
65.30% 1863rd/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
57.82% 2034th/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
67.60% 3511th/5194 |
63.94% 4039th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Jo" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
24.65% 349th/1416 |
52.07% 718th/1379 |
11.92% 282nd/2366 |
37.39% 427th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
5.37% 83rd/1546 |
11.31% 176th/1556 |
2.00% 47th/2353 |
5.04% 78th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
4.63% 103rd/2227 |
3.50% 85th/2430 |
2.14% 61st/2853 |
3.89% 108th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
11.75% 345th/2937 |
9.45% 329th/3483 |
6.65% 234th/3518 |
10.16% 411th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
37.20% 1371st/3685 |
39.22% 1755th/4475 |
17.75% 922nd/5194 |
27.94% 1765th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
100.00% 4582nd/4582 |
94.17% 4863rd/5164 |
45.75% 3346th/7313 |
94.43% 7047th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
59.10% 4032nd/6822 |
87.41% 5486th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Jo"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Jo" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.