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Jo Name Meaning, Origin, History, And Popularity

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In This Article

Origin, Meaning And History of Jo

The name Jo is an abbreviation of names that begin with the letters Jo. Hence, Jo could be an abbreviation of names, such as Johannes and Josef or Joseph. Depending on the language spoken and the gender to which the name Jo has been assigned, it can have varying origins. The popular momo-syllable name has roots in English, Latin, Hebrew, French, German, Dutch, and Norwegian. This name is a gender-neutral name and is usually assigned to a boy or a girl depending on the language and traditions followed. Joan, Joanna, and Josephine are some feminine names for which Jo is often used as a diminutive or nickname.

If the name Jo is derived from a root word from Hebrew, Latin, or English, it is usually a feminine name. On the other hand, if the name Jo is adopted from names that are German, Dutch, or Norwegian, such as Johannes, Joseph or Josef, it is typically used as a masculine name.

Joan or Joanna which can be translated to mean ‘God is merciful’ or ‘God is gracious,’ are two popular names Jo is mostly associated with. Joan of Arc, one of the most noteworthy bearers of the root name, was a French commandant who led her army into the Hundred Years’ War (1).

Jo can also be derived from more complex names, such as Jobeth and Jolisa. The name Jo can be pronounced ‘JOH.’ Variations of the name include Joanie, Jody, Joe, and Joni.

In popular culture, Jo Bennett is a fictional character who is the former CEO of Sabre in the American TV show The Office. Another memorable character is Jo March. She is a strong woman who is one of the sisters and protagonists of the novel, Little Women and its sequels. Jo Wilson is a fictional character featured in the action and drama American Television series Grey’s Anatomy.

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Jo

heart image
God is gracious; He will add
Unisex
Christianity
Dutch, English, German, Hebrew, Norwegian
7
One
1 word, 2 letters, 1 vowel, 1 consonant
Short and easy to pronounce

How To Pronounce Jo?

Pronounced as joh

The way you pronounce a name can make all the difference.

Listen to the sound of the name Jo in German.

‘Jo’ In QR Code

Here's a unique feature for the modern, tech-savvy, and curious parents – have your baby's name in a QR code. If you want your close circle to know your newborn's name, all you need to do is simply scan and share it. The code not only shows the name but its meaning as well; this means you don't have to painfully explain the meaning of your baby's name anymore! So, go ahead. Download, save, and share it with your family and friends, or use it to create personalized keepsakes for your little one.

Notable People Named Jo

This section covers people who have made the name Jo famous with their contributions in various fields. It indeed is a little more inspiration for you to choose the name for your baby, don’t you think?

  • Jo BrandEnglish comedian, writer, presenter, and actress, who made an appearance on Saturday Night Live and The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice
  • Jo JoynerEnglish Actress, known for her roles in North and South and Doctor Who
  • Jo O'MearaEnglish singer and songwriter, who was a member of the pop group S Club between 1999 and 2003.
  • Jo Van FleetAmerican actress, who won a Tony Award in 1954 and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1955
  • Jo JonesAmerican Jazz drummer and band leader, who was inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in 1979

Jo On The Popularity Chart

The popularity of the name Jo was high in the 1980s. However, it substantially decreased in the following years. Check out the graphs for more.

Popularity Over Time

The name’s popularity peaked in 1980 with over 349 babies per million named Jo. Check out the graphical representation for detailed insights.

Source: Social Security Administration

Rank Over Time

Jo’s ranking saw its all-time high in 1980. Look at the graph to know the name’s ranking trends better.

Source: Social Security Administration

Jo On MomJunction Popularity Chart

Know how popular the name Jo is among the MomJunction readers. We used a unique approach to gather relevant insights for creating this popularity chart by observing the interactions and interest around the name on our platform. See what the trend has been among our readers over these past years.

Popularity Within US States

If you're living in the US, you might be curious about the popularity of Jo in your own state, a state you're considering moving to, or one with which you have a connection. Use the drop-down menu below to select any US state and discover the name's popularity within that region.

California

Texas

Florida

Source: Social Security Administration
View Data By State
Source: Social Security Administration

Jo Name’s Presence On Social Media

Before you finalize your baby’s name, you would want to assess if the name is rare or popular. Digital footprint of the name - it’s presence on the internet and social media platforms - can provide you with valuable insights on it’s popularity. A name’s online presence is an important metric for new parents to evaluate their options and make an informed choice. How many people are searching the name on Google, how many profiles are there on Facebook, does the name have a Wikipedia page? Such information surely tells you if the name is ubiquitous or unique. Here is how Jo fares on that count.

Jo’s Mention In Fictional Works

In this section, know how the creative minds have treated the name Jo in their fictional works. How often has the name been woven into the storylines, and how popular was the character – these details may not directly influence your naming decision, but you would like to know about Jo’s performance in the world of entertainment, won’t you? Moreover, it could be the name of the character from a movie or series you loved or binge-watched recently! So, check out Jo’s performance in the fictional cosmos.

TitleCharacter nameRole played by
Nothing's Going to Change My WorldJoDaniel Stephen Davies
Uber ExcitedSammy JoDylan Gledhill
Cruel and Unusual Therapy TooJo ShaineKathryn Anderson
HairstericalJoCarrington Bruton
Out of Touch TVJo RikerChristina Fenwick
Curriculee CurriculaJoGaye Brown
Who's Paisley?JoJackie Kelly
Eye of the VeilJoDorothy A. Atabong
IvyJoDebbie Levin
The Parker TribeJo ParkerCassandra Beske Dunn

Names With Similar Sound As Jo

Here are some popular baby names that sound like Jo but have different meanings. Check them out.

Popular Sibling Names For Jo

If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with Jo, check our suggestions here.

Boy Sibling Names For Jo

Find matching brother names for Jo and create a wonderful team of siblings.

Jaakob
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Jakobe
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Jakobi
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Jannes
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Jans
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Jantis
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Jarell
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Jarem
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Jaret
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Jarett
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Girl Sibling Names For Jo

Looking for some suitable sister names for Jo? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.

Jakoba
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Jakobie
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Jaselle
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Jauslyn
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Jenell
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Jeni
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Jentzen
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Jeralee
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Jerrie
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Jerrileen
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Other Popular Names Beginning With J

Looking for more baby names starting with the letter J to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.

Names With Similar Meaning as Jo

Looking for more names with meanings similar to Jo? Check out the list below.

Names Rhyming With Jo

The significance of rhyming names extends beyond their aesthetic appeal and a good feel. The repetition and symmetry enhance their memorability. If you want your children’s names to be easily remembered or tune with your name, try some rhyming names. Here are such names that rhyme with Jo.

Acrostic Poem On Jo

Dive into the lyrical charm of the name Jo with this acrostic poem. Witness how each letter paints together a story, capturing the name’s individuality, strength, vitality, and sophistication. Inspiring, is it? Why not try a similar poem that describes what you think of your baby’s personality?

J
:

Jovial and jolly, journeying through the realm of the joyousness.

O
:

Outstanding originality that makes you bloom like a flower among weeds.

Adorable Nicknames For Jo

Nicknames are an integral part of your communication with your baby. You tend to use several variations of your child’s name; some are meaningful, while others are simply adorable sounds. Here are a few nicknames you can begin with for the name Jo.

  • Jojo
  • J
  • Jay
  • Joanne
  • Jodie

Jo’s Zodiac Sign As Per Western Astrology

Western astrology includes the construction of a horoscope based on the person’s exact time of birth and location to understand the positions of the planet, stars, and zodiac signs at that time. However, in popular culture, it is often narrowed down to the sun sign, which depends on the person’s birth date.There are 12 zodiac signs, each having dominant traits, planetary rulers, elemental connection, and more.

Zodiac sign or Sun sign

The Earth’s orbit around the sun is divided into 12 zodiac signs covering 30-degree sectors. According to Western astrology, the zodiac or sun sign depends on the sun’s position in one of these sectors at the time of your birth. Starting from the sun’s position at the March equinox, the chart goes anti-clockwise from Aries, followed by Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. These signs are ruled by planetary bodies - Mars, Venus, Mercury, Moon, Sun, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Furthermore, they are categorized into triplicities or elemental signs - fire, water, air, and earth - that govern their characteristics. Each of these zodiac signs features certain personality traits that may determine how a person presents themselves.

Why the date of birth matters

Each zodiac sign in Western astrology is linked to a specific range of dates in the year. Unlike Vedic astrology, where names can sometimes be used to infer astrological details, Western astrology relies entirely on the birth date.

To know more about your baby’s zodiac sign, choose the period in which your baby’s date of birth falls, from the options given below. This will give you a glimpse into the world of astrology tailored for your baby.

Select your baby’s birthdate range

Mar 21 – Apr 19

Apr 20 – May 20

May 21 – Jun 20

Jun 21 – Jul 22

Jul 23 – Aug 22

Aug 23 – Sep 22

Sep 23 – Oct 22

Oct 23 – Nov 21

Nov 22 – Dec 21

Dec 22 – Jan 19

Jan 20 – Feb 18

Feb 19 – Mar 20

Sun Sign
Aries
Symbol
The Ram
Unicode Character
♈︎
Greek Name
Κριός (Krios)
Celestial Ruler
Mars
House
First House of Self
Ecliptic Longitude (a ≤ λ < b)
0° to 30°
Element (Triplicity)
Fire
Color
Red
Birthstone
Diamond
Modality
Cardinal
Polarity
Positive
Personality Traits
You are ambitious and competitive and love to be at the top of your game. Warm and friendly, you love getting attention, and your courage helps you face challenges easily. You are also quite direct and no-nonsense in your approach, which makes you a resilient leader.
Sun Sign
Taurus
Symbol
The Bull
Unicode Character
♉︎
Greek Name
Ταῦρος (Tauros)
Celestial Ruler
Venus
House
Second House of Value/Income
Ecliptic Longitude (a ≤ λ < b)
30° to 60°
Element (Triplicity)
Earth
Color
Green and Pink
Birthstone
Emerald
Modality
Fixed
Polarity
Negative
Personality Traits
You are calm and dependable. A loyal and loving person, your humble and persistent nature will help you achieve your goals. With Venus as your ruling planet, you are pleasure-seeking and enjoy indulging in artistic pursuits and leisure activities.
Sun Sign
Gemini
Symbol
The Twins
Unicode Character
♊︎
Greek Name
Δίδυμοι (Didymoi)
Celestial Ruler
Mercury
House
Third House of Communication/Sharing
Ecliptic Longitude (a ≤ λ < b)
60° to 90°
Element (Triplicity)
Air
Color
Yellow
Birthstone
Pearl/Moonstone
Modality
Mutable
Polarity
Positive
Personality Traits
You are spontaneous and quick-witted. Social and entertaining, your charm and intelligence mesmerize others, and it’s easy for you to have conversations with anybody. You are passionate about various things, so you always have your hands full with hobbies, projects, plans, and more.
Sun Sign
Cancer
Symbol
The Crab
Unicode Character
♋︎
Greek Name
Καρκίνος (Karkinos)
Celestial Ruler
Moon
House
Fourth House of Home and Family
Ecliptic Longitude (a ≤ λ < b)
90° to 120°
Element (Triplicity)
Water
Color
White/Silver
Birthstone
Ruby
Modality
Cardinal
Polarity
Negative
Personality Traits
You are sensitive, compassionate, intuitive, and nurturing. Your maternal instinct reflects in your care and love for your family and loved ones. You are artistic and emotional and can go to great lengths to ensure the people around you are comfortable and happy.
Sun Sign
Leo
Symbol
The Lion
Unicode Character
♌︎
Greek Name
Λέων (Leōn)
Celestial Ruler
Sun
House
Fifth House of Romance and Pleasure
Ecliptic Longitude (a ≤ λ < b)
120° to 150°
Element (Triplicity)
Fire
Color
Gold
Birthstone
Peridot
Modality
Fixed
Polarity
Positive
Personality Traits
You are charismatic and charming; a born leader. You are passionate about what you love, and your loyalty and joyous nature attract people. Your natural confidence and aura always put you in the center of attention. You like luxury and flamboyance, and your relationships are always fiery.
Sun Sign
Virgo
Symbol
The Maiden
Unicode Character
♍︎
Greek Name
Παρθένος (Parthenos)
Celestial Ruler
Mercury
House
Sixth House of Health and Wellness
Ecliptic Longitude (a ≤ λ < b)
150° to 180°
Element (Triplicity)
Earth
Color
Green and Brown
Birthstone
Sapphire
Modality
Mutable
Polarity
Negative
Personality Traits
You are diligent, practical, and detail-oriented, which makes you a perfectionist. However, you are also humble and reliable. You are intelligent, methodical, and observant, and thus, can be trusted to execute plans smoothly. Your kind and supportive nature makes you a trustworthy friend and partner.
Sun Sign
Libra
Symbol
The Scales
Unicode Character
♎︎
Greek Name
Ζυγός (Zygos)
Celestial Ruler
Venus
House
Seventh House of Balance and Partnerships
Ecliptic Longitude (a ≤ λ < b)
180° to 210°
Element (Triplicity)
Air
Color
Pink and Blue
Birthstone
Opal
Modality
Cardinal
Polarity
Positive
Personality Traits
You are diplomatic and social. You appreciate harmony and balance in your life and strive towards symmetry. A connoisseur of art, luxury, and knowledge, you have a sophisticated taste. Moreover, your kind and adaptable nature lets you connect with people from different avenues.
Sun Sign
Scorpio
Symbol
The Scorpion
Unicode Character
♏︎
Greek Name
Σκoρπίος (Skorpios)[16]
Celestial Ruler
Pluto/ Mars
House
Eighth House of Transformation
Ecliptic Longitude (a ≤ λ < b)
210° to 240°
Element (Triplicity)
Water
Color
Black
Birthstone
Topaz
Modality
Fixed
Polarity
Negative
Personality Traits
You are intuitive, intense, and connected to your emotional world. Often considered mysterious, your enigmatic personality makes you attractive and interesting. Your intensity and loyalty come through in your approach to relationships, making you a great partner and friend.
Sun Sign
Sagittarius
Symbol
The Archer
Unicode Character
♐︎
Greek Name
Τοξότης (Toxotēs)
Celestial Ruler
Jupiter
House
Ninth House of Purpose and Exploration
Ecliptic Longitude (a ≤ λ < b)
240° to 270°
Element (Triplicity)
Fire
Color
Purple
Birthstone
Turquoise/Tanzanite
Modality
Mutable
Polarity
Positive
Personality Traits
You are one of the most dynamic and easy-going signs. Adventurous and intellectual, you do not conform to rules and restrictions and create your own path. Your bright and passionate personality makes you a fun person to be around. You like to be spontaneous, and face challenges head on.
Sun Sign
Capricorn
Symbol
The Goat
Unicode Character
♑︎
Greek Name
Αἰγόκερως (Aigokerōs)
Celestial Ruler
Saturn
House
Tenth House of Enterprise
Ecliptic Longitude (a ≤ λ < b)
270° to 300°
Element (Triplicity)
Earth
Color
Gray and Brown
Birthstone
Garnet
Modality
Cardinal
Polarity
Negative
Personality Traits
You are disciplined, straightforward, and dedicated towards your goals. Your focus and determination make you stand apart from the crowd. However, contrasting your sharp and serious personality is a youthful and fun side that is mischievous and optimistic.
Sun Sign
Aquarius
Symbol
The Water-Bearer
Unicode Character
♒︎
Greek Name
Ὑδροχόος (Hydrokhoos)
Celestial Ruler
Uranus/Saturn
House
Eleventh House of Connections
Ecliptic Longitude (a ≤ λ < b)
300° to 330°
Element (Triplicity)
Air
Color
Blue
Birthstone
Amethyst
Modality
Fixed
Polarity
Positive
Personality Traits
You are creative, innovative, and eccentric. You take joy in intellectual and artistic pursuits, and your idealistic mindset shines through in your larger-than-life plans for humanity. You are sensitive, caring, and progressive. Your open-mindedness helps you connect and socialize with others.
Sun Sign
Pisces
Symbol
The Fish
Unicode Character
♓︎
Greek Name
Ἰχθύες (Ikhthyes)
Celestial Ruler
Neptune/Jupiter
House
Twelfth House of Spirituality
Ecliptic Longitude (a ≤ λ < b)
330° to 360°
Element (Triplicity)
Water
Color
Light green
Birthstone
Aquamarine
Modality
Mutable
Polarity
Negative
Personality Traits
You are compassionate, sensitive, and the most connected to your spiritual realm. A visionary, your emotional and imaginative mind is reflected in your art and creativity. You are kind, gentle, empathetic, and a big romantic. Your dreamy and mystical side makes you unique.

Jo’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology

Vedic astrology, also called Jyotisha, provides deep insights into a person’s life based on celestial positions at birth. Rashi and nakshatra, which are an integral part of Jyotisha, are believed to influence an individual’s personality and life events. The following sections give you rashi-related information, such as the associated letters, elements, ruling body, quality, and nakshatra for the name Jo. These details help analyze a person’s characteristics, personality, and behavior.

Zodiac Sign (Rashi)

As shown in the following table, each rashi is associated with specific sounds, which are often used as the starting letters of names for newborns in Hindu families. Each rashi is represented by a figure and one of the five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (Space). One ruling celestial body, known as its 'rashi lord' or 'ruler' is assigned to these rashis. These bodies include Venus, Mars, Sun, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn. Furthermore, the rashis are assigned various qualities or gunas.

Rashi (zodiac sign)Makar (Capricorn)
Starting letters for Makar (Capricorn) rashiKH, J
RepresentationCrocodile
ElementEarth
Ruling bodySaturn
QualityMovable

Birth Star (Nakshatra)

Another important aspect of Vedic Astrology is the nakshatras, the lunar constellations or star clusters that the Moon occupies during a person's birth. There are 27 nakshatras, each with its own unique qualities, attributes, and symbolism. Each rashi contains two-and-one-fourth nakshatras in it. For example, Aries contains Ashwini, Bharani, and Krithika nakshatras.

The below table provides information on the nakshatras’ degrees on the zodiac circle, their lords and related syllables, for babies born in the Makar (Capricorn) rashi. These syllables/phonetics are popularly used to choose the baby name. For precise nakshatra calculation based on your baby's birthplace and date, use our Nakshatra Calculator.

NakshatraDegrees Of The NakshatraNakshatra
Lord (Ruler)
Name Syllables
Utharashada (Utharadam)Capricorn (0 to 10 degrees)SunBe, Bo, Ja, Ji, Bha, Bhe, Bho, Jaa, Jee
Sravana (Shravana, Thiruvonam)Capricorn (10 to 23.20 degrees)MoonJu, Je, Jo, Khi, So, Khu, Khe, Kho
Dhanishta (Avittam)Capricorn (23.20 to 30 degrees)MarsGa, Gi, Gu, Ge, Gee

Jo Personality Traits As Per Numerology

The numerology belief system envisages a relationship between a name and numbers. The related numbers are believed to give insights into a person’s character. We have researched this area to connect the numerology-based characteristic traits to the letters of the English alphabet. And the results are fascinating.

Numerology followers believe that each letter signifies attributes that can influence a person’s attitude and approach. Among these placements, the most significant are the first letter (Cornerstone) and the last letter (Capstone) of a name. Cornerstone highlights your primary personality traits and explains how you face challenges and opportunities in life. Capstone can tell you about your approach to work and how you complete them. Often, a letter may be repeated twice or more in a name. This repetition signifies the intensification or amplification of the traits associated with the letter in an individual’s personality.

Read to know what characteristics the name Jo is known for in numerology. Here we have avoided repetition of letters and added them just once for a better reading experience.

JYou are self-sufficient, motivated, and trustworthy. You are always driven to succeed and have an innovative outlook..

OYou are responsible and do not like to delay your work. However, you can be quite competitive.

Infographic: Know The Name Jo‘s Personality As Per Numerology

name-numerology-for-jo-girl

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Jo In Different Languages

It’s exciting to see our baby’s name spelled and written in various languages. See how people spell Jo in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more! Each language has its own way of saying Jo, but it’s still the same special name. Learn how the name looks and sounds in different languages around the world!

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NameLanguageCode
JoEnglishen
Chinesezh-CN
जोHindihi
JoSpanishes
JoFrenchfr
جوArabicar
জোBengalibn
JoPortuguesept
ДжоRussianru
joUrduur
JoIndonesianid
JoGermande
じょJapaneseja
जोMarathimr
joTelugute
JoTurkishtr
ஜோTamilta
JoVietnamesevi
JoTagalogtl
Koreanko
JoHausaha
JoSwahilisw
JoJavanesejv
JoItalianit
joPunjabipa
જોGujaratigu
โจThaith
ಜೋKannadakn
Amharicam
जोBhojpuribho
JoYorubayo

Jo In Fancy Fonts

Visualize your little one’s name in different captivating fonts. You can use these fancy styles on birth announcement cards, nursery decorations, personalized gifts, to name a few. Select the perfect font from these options for a touch of personalization.

  • Double Struck Font
    𝕁 𝕠
  • Bold Script Font
    𝓙 𝓸
  • Fancy Style 35 Font
    յ ⊕
  • Fancy Style 7 Font
    Ĵ Ø
  • Love Font
    J♥ o♥
  • Black Square Font
    🅹 🅾
  • Hand Writing 2 Font
    J σ
  • X Above Bellow Font
    J͓̽ o͓̽

Adorable ‘Jo’ Wallpapers To Share

Liked our fancy fonts for Jo? Why not go a step forward with these beautiful posters? They are perfect to download and use as display pictures or social media posts! You may also use them as part of decorating your child’s room. These personalized wallpapers celebrate the positive vibes of the name, offering a unique way to show how much this name means to you. What’s more! You have multiple options here to choose depending on your mood or occasion.

Jo 3D Wallpaper

Jo 3D Wallpaper

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Jo Birthday Wallpaper

Jo Birthday Wallpaper

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

‘I Love Jo’ Wallpaper

I Love Jo Wallpaper

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Stylish Jo Wallpaper

Jo Stylish Wallpaper

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Jo Name Initial Wallpaper

Jo Name Initial Wallpaper

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

How To Communicate The Name Jo In Sign Languages

In Nautical Flags

Jo

In Sign Language

Jo

In Braille Alphabet

Jo

In Morse Code

Jo

In Barcode

barcode

In Binary

01001010 01101111

Name Numerology For Jo

Numerology is an occult system that gives significance to numbers and their influence on human life and destiny. Numerologists attribute specific qualities, energies, and characteristics to a number. Parents who believe in numerology prefer to choose baby names that resonate positively with the child’s unique numerical vibrations, often derived from their date of birth. Here we give a general birth number and personality traits of the name Jo, based on the Pythagorean (Western) system. This analysis will differ from child to child based on their date of birth. You may use our numerology calculator for more personalized information.

Quote

The name you give a child at birth is like their numerological DNA - it is a blueprint of who they are, their talents and character traits, their likes and dislikes, and much more. So choose carefully and, if possible, consider an ancestral name, especially one that belonged to an ancestor who did well and lived a good life. But consult a numerologist for more insight and perhaps a little fine-tuning by changing a letter or adding a middle name.

Quote
- Hans Decoz
destiny image
7

Destiny Number

You will attain fulfillment by teaching others. Perfection is one of your traits. Your destiny is full of mysteries, with you exploring science, occult, and other interesting fields.

personality image
1

Personality Number

You are dynamic, efficient, capable and controlled. You are often a leader and use your unique approach to doing things. You are motivating and inspiring with a strong sense of purpose while egotistical at times.

Soul image
6

Soul Number

You give priority to family more than your career. You work for others than yourself. Known for generosity, understanding, and sympathy. You also yearn for creativity and art.

Baby Name Lists Containing Jo

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the meaning of the name Jo?

The name Jo means ‘God is gracious.’

2. What is the origin of the name Jo?

Jo has Hebrew and German origins.

3. In other cultures, Is there a specific meaning associated with the name Jo?

The name Jo has varying meanings in Hebrew, German, and Korean. While in Hebrew and German, it means God is gracious, in Korean, Jo is communicated as Cho and means ‘second’ or ‘beginning.’

4. Is Jo a popular name?

Although the name enjoyed widespread popularity between 1900 to 1985, Jo is not widely used in the US today. Furthermore, it has not been on the list of the top 1000 names for boys or girls since 1985 (2).

5. Is Jo a traditional or modern name?

Jo is a short, contemporary title for longer classics such as Josephine and Joanna. However, parents may use it as an independent name or a nickname, providing a trendy twist to traditional names.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Hundred Years’ War.
    https://www.worldhistory.org/Hundred_Years’_War/
  2. Popularity of name Jo.
    https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
  3. Astrology, Hermes (2023); Astrology for Beginners.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370635414_Astrology_for_Beginners
  4. Shirley Lawrence; The Secret Science of Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Numbers and Letters.
    https://www.academia.edu/97492675/The_Secret_Science_of_Numerology_The_Hidden_Meaning_of_Numbers_and_Letters_Shirley_Lawrence&nav_from=a3c5c3fd-555f-4584-b66d-4a3c8023402e&rw_pos=0
  5. Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia; “zodiac”; Encyclopedia Britannica.
    https://www.britannica.com/topic/zodiac
  6. P.V.R. Narasimha Rao; Vedic Astrology: An Integrated Approach.
    https://www.vedicastrologer.org/articles/vedic_astro_textbook.pdf
  7. Paulo Martins; A Concise History of Hindu Astrology and Indian Spirituality; Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
    https://www.saspublishers.com/media/articles/SJAHSS_112_33-36_FT_MAEgJAB.pdf
  8. International Phonetic Association.
    https://www.internationalphoneticassociation.org/
  9. Adam Szczegielniak; Phonetics: The Sounds of Language; Harvard University.
    https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/adam/files/phonetics.ppt.pdf
  10. Lalita K. Wani et al; Review of Scientific Analysis Of Sacred Sound OM (AUM); Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR), Novermber 2020.
    https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2011207.pdf

Phonemic Representation Of Jo

Phonemics is the study of a language’s distinctive sound units (phonemes), as standardized by the International Phonetics Association. When choosing a name for your baby, knowing its phonemic pronunciation gives an idea about the name’s sound pattern and auditory appeal. You can assess the name’s ease of pronunciation, memorability, and softness. Here is the phonemic transcription of Jo in American and British accents.

  • In American English: jəʊ
  • In British English: /dʒəʊ/

Pronunciation of names, in fact, any spoken word, involves the participation of various parts of the mouth, vocal cord, nose, and lungs. Underneath all the sounds we make is the airstream flowing from the lungs and moving up to the mouth. It’s incredible how lips, tongue, teeth, alveolar ridge, palate, glottis, and larynx work harmoniously to bring out the words. Studies have proved that positive sounds like OM (AUM) help maintain hormonal balance and mental health and reduce stress and anxiety. So, what parts does Jo trigger? Find the details here; the sound of Jo might bring in more positive vibes into your life!

PhonemeArticulation
/j/

Raising the front part of the tongue to the palate. Very little obstruction of the airstream

/əʊ/

Tongue mid. Airflow is continuous

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