Jo Name Meaning, Origin, History, And Popularity
Short and sweet.
MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us.
In This Article
- ❯Origin, Meaning And History of Jo
- ❯How To Pronounce Jo?
- ❯‘Jo’ In QR Code
- ❯Notable People Named Jo
- ❯Jo On The Popularity Chart
- ❯Popularity Over Time
- ❯Rank Over Time
- ❯Jo On MomJunction Popularity Chart
- ❯Popularity Within US States
- ❯Jo Name's Presence On Social Media
- ❯Jo’s Mention In Fictional Works
- ❯Names With Similar Sound As Jo
- ❯Popular Sibling Names For Jo
- ❯Other Popular Names Beginning With J
- ❯Names With Similar Meaning as Jo
- ❯Names Rhyming With Jo
- ❯Acrostic Poem On Jo
- ❯Adorable Nicknames For Jo
- ❯Jo’s Zodiac Sign As Per Western Astrology
- ❯Jo’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology
- ❯Jo Personality Traits As Per Numerology
- ❯Infographic: Know The Name Jo's Personality As Per Numerology
- ❯Jo In Different Languages
- ❯Jo In Fancy Fonts
- ❯Adorable ‘Jo’ Wallpapers To Share
- ❯How To Communicate The Name Jo In Sign Languages
- ❯Name Numerology For Jo
- ❯Baby Name Lists Containing Jo
- ❯Frequently Asked Questions
- ❯Look Up For Many More Names
- ❯Phonemic Representation Of Jo
- Community Experiences
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.
Jo
How To Pronounce Jo?
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 AdministrationRank 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 AdministrationJo 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 AdministrationJo 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.
Title | Character name | Role played by |
---|---|---|
Nothing's Going to Change My World | Jo | Daniel Stephen Davies |
Uber Excited | Sammy Jo | Dylan Gledhill |
Cruel and Unusual Therapy Too | Jo Shaine | Kathryn Anderson |
Hairsterical | Jo | Carrington Bruton |
Out of Touch TV | Jo Riker | Christina Fenwick |
Curriculee Curricula | Jo | Gaye Brown |
Who's Paisley? | Jo | Jackie Kelly |
Eye of the Veil | Jo | Dorothy A. Atabong |
Ivy | Jo | Debbie Levin |
The Parker Tribe | Jo Parker | Cassandra 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.
JaakobGirl Sibling Names For Jo
Looking for some suitable sister names for Jo? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.
JakobaOther 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?
Jovial and jolly, journeying through the realm of the joyousness.
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
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) rashi | KH, J |
Representation | Crocodile |
Element | Earth |
Ruling body | Saturn |
Quality | Movable |
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.
Nakshatra | Degrees Of The Nakshatra | Nakshatra Lord (Ruler) | Name Syllables |
---|---|---|---|
Utharashada (Utharadam) | Capricorn (0 to 10 degrees) | Sun | Be, Bo, Ja, Ji, Bha, Bhe, Bho, Jaa, Jee |
Sravana (Shravana, Thiruvonam) | Capricorn (10 to 23.20 degrees) | Moon | Ju, Je, Jo, Khi, So, Khu, Khe, Kho |
Dhanishta (Avittam) | Capricorn (23.20 to 30 degrees) | Mars | Ga, 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
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!
Name | Language | Code |
---|---|---|
Jo | English | en |
乔 | Chinese | zh-CN |
जो | Hindi | hi |
Jo | Spanish | es |
Jo | French | fr |
جو | Arabic | ar |
জো | Bengali | bn |
Jo | Portuguese | pt |
Джо | Russian | ru |
jo | Urdu | ur |
Jo | Indonesian | id |
Jo | German | de |
じょ | Japanese | ja |
जो | Marathi | mr |
jo | Telugu | te |
Jo | Turkish | tr |
ஜோ | Tamil | ta |
Jo | Vietnamese | vi |
Jo | Tagalog | tl |
조 | Korean | ko |
Jo | Hausa | ha |
Jo | Swahili | sw |
Jo | Javanese | jv |
Jo | Italian | it |
jo | Punjabi | pa |
જો | Gujarati | gu |
โจ | Thai | th |
ಜೋ | Kannada | kn |
ጆ | Amharic | am |
जो | Bhojpuri | bho |
Jo | Yoruba | yo |
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 Font𝕁 𝕠
- Bold Script Font𝓙 𝓸
- Fancy Style 35 Fontյ ⊕
- Fancy Style 7 FontĴ Ø
- Love FontJ♥ o♥
- Black Square Font🅹 🅾
- Hand Writing 2 FontJ σ
- X Above Bellow FontJ͓̽ o͓̽
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 Birthday Wallpaper
‘I Love Jo’ Wallpaper
Stylish Jo Wallpaper
Jo Name Initial Wallpaper
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
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.
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 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 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
Read through our baby name lists that include the name Jo and several other similar names. The wider the choice, the better your selection. Isn't it?
- Baby Unisex Names With Meanings›
- Baby Unisex Names That Start With Letter J›
- Dutch Baby Names With Meanings›
- Dutch Baby Names Starting With Letter J›
- English Baby Names With Meanings›
- English Baby Names Starting With Letter J›
- German Baby Names With Meanings›
- German Baby Names Starting With Letter J›
- Hebrew Baby Names With Meanings›
- Hebrew Baby Names Starting With Letter J›
- Norwegian Baby Names With Meanings›
- Norwegian Baby Names Starting With Letter J›
- Christianity Baby Names With Meanings›
- Christianity Baby Names Starting With Letter J›
- 100 Classic Literary Baby Names For Girls And Boys›
- 100+ Popular Hungarian Surnames Or Last Names, With Meanings›
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
- Hundred Years’ War.
https://www.worldhistory.org/Hundred_Years’_War/ - Popularity of name Jo.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/ - Astrology, Hermes (2023); Astrology for Beginners.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370635414_Astrology_for_Beginners - 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 - Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia; “zodiac”; Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/zodiac - P.V.R. Narasimha Rao; Vedic Astrology: An Integrated Approach.
https://www.vedicastrologer.org/articles/vedic_astro_textbook.pdf - 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 - International Phonetic Association.
https://www.internationalphoneticassociation.org/ - Adam Szczegielniak; Phonetics: The Sounds of Language; Harvard University.
https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/adam/files/phonetics.ppt.pdf - 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
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
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!
Phoneme | Articulation |
---|---|
/j/ | Raising the front part of the tongue to the palate. Very little obstruction of the airstream |
/əʊ/ | Tongue mid. Airflow is continuous |
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Puunit Dsai
Read full bio of Benidamika J Latam
Read full bio of Akshay Nair
Read full bio of Angela Alex