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Jo as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Jo

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The baby name Jo is a Unisex name , 1 syllables long and is pronounced {'IPA': '/dʒoʊ/', 'respelling': 'JOH'}.

Jo is Dutch, English, Hebrew, Japanese in Origin.

Gender: Unisex
Syllables: 1.0
Origin: Dutch, English, Hebrew, Japanese
Pronunciation: {'IPA': '/dʒoʊ/', 'respelling': 'JOH'}

What is the meaning of the name Jo ?

The baby name Jo is a Unisex name , 1 syllables long and is pronounced {'IPA': '/dʒoʊ/', 'respelling': 'JOH'}.

Jo is Dutch, English, Hebrew, Japanese in Origin.

Jo is a compact, unisex short form found in English and across Europe, clipped from Joseph/Josephine, Joanna/Joanne, Joan, and other John-derived names. Its sense follows the root: from Hebrew Yosef, “he will add/increase”; from Hebrew Yohanan (via Greek/Latin), “Yahweh is gracious.” As a standalone, Jo entered regular use by the early 20th century and suits today’s pared‑down naming style.

Literature fixed its appeal through Jo March in Little Women; later bearers include singer Jo Stafford, entrepreneur Jo Malone, and novelist Jo Nesbø, illustrating cross-gender reach. Common variants and relatives are Joe, Joey, Jojo, and hyphenated forms like Jo-Ann/Jo-Anne. In Dutch and German, Jo is a standard nickname. Abroad, Japanese Jō (romanized Jo) depends on kanji, while in Korean Jo is chiefly a surname.

Jo has the following similar or variant Names

Famous people with the name Jo

Jo Van Fleet Actor · Born 1915 · United States Jo Van Fleet was an American actor best known for her Academy Award-winning role as Cathy Ames in the film 'East of Eden'. She also appeared in 'The Rose Tattoo' and 'Cool Hand Luke', showcasing her talent in both film and stage productions. JoBeth Williams Actor · Born 1948 · United States JoBeth Williams is an American actor best known for her role as Diane Freeling in the horror film 'Poltergeist'. She also starred in 'The Big Chill' and 'Kramer vs. Kramer'. Jo Stafford Actor · Born 1917 · United States Jo Stafford was an American singer known for her smooth voice and versatility across genres. She gained fame with hits like 'You Belong to Me' and 'Make Love to Me'. Her career spanned several decades, making her one of the most popular female vocalists of her time.
Jo Jones Musician · Born 1911 · United States Jo Jones was a pioneering American jazz drummer, best known for his work with the Count Basie Orchestra. He played a key role in the development of the swing style, influencing countless musicians with his innovative techniques. Some of his notable performances include 'One O'Clock Jump' and 'April in Paris'. Jo Brand Actor · Born 1957 · United Kingdom Jo Brand is a British comedian and actress, best known for her stand-up comedy and television work. She gained popularity with her appearances on shows like 'QI' and 'Have I Got News for You'. Jo also starred in the sitcom 'Getting On', which she co-wrote and which earned critical acclaim. Jo Yoon-hee Actor · Born 1982 · South Korea Jo Yoon-hee is a South Korean actor best known for her role in the popular television series 'Nine: Nine Time Travels'. She has also appeared in 'My Husband Got a Family' and 'The King of Dramas', showcasing her versatility and talent in various genres.

Jo – Popularity by country

Based on birth registration data from national statistics agencies.

Country Gender Year Rank Born of
Ireland Girls 2018 #1 — 934
KH 0 #3 1 102
KH Boys 0 #8 2 270
KR 0 #8 1 201
FJ Boys 0 #17 1 603
KR Boys 0 #21 7 897
ET Boys 0 #25 3 678
BN 0 #27 6 2,297
NA 0 #33 1 2,537
MV Girls 0 #35 1 2,021
ID 0 #36 4 2,238
EE 0 #37 1 1,051
PH 0 #37 60 5,607
MT 0 #39 5 1,767
LU 0 #43 24 2,830
BI Boys 0 #44 1 917
MO 0 #47 6 2,706
CM 0 #50 7 2,592
PR 0 #55 1 1,497
QA 0 #63 38 7,011
AL 0 #64 12 2,372
CN 0 #70 16 3,857
AO 0 #71 7 2,729
IN 0 #71 1 2,963
JP 0 #73 5 4,057
MV Boys 0 #73 7 3,375
AF 0 #74 3 1,883
AZ Girls 0 #75 1 1,051
BN Girls 0 #79 28 5,459
BG 0 #81 2 1,799
TW 0 #81 20 4,523
RS 0 #84 1 923
LT 0 #87 2 949
JM 0 #93 1 3,714
SD 0 #95 8 2,130
ID Girls 0 #99 4 3,319
KW 0 #102 15 5,216
OM 0 #102 15 6,215
GE Boys 0 #103 8 2,055
BN Boys 0 #104 30 6,332
LU Boys 0 #105 126 4,970
ID Boys 0 #114 18 4,130
CY Girls 0 #117 9 3,755
MT Girls 0 #118 34 3,773
EC 0 #120 2 2,502
MU 0 #122 15 3,613
EE Boys 0 #123 3 2,087
Norway Boys 2025 #124 11 444
GR 0 #124 11 3,911
AE 0 #127 51 10,220
PH Girls 0 #128 332 13,098
SG 0 #129 153 11,010
CY Boys 0 #130 2 3,473
IQ 0 #133 1 3,533
Switzerland Girls 2024 #134 2 1,786
RS Girls 0 #134 4 1,651
JO 0 #135 6 2,158
LT Boys 0 #135 16 2,166
PA 0 #136 3 3,797
CR 0 #137 22 5,526
BW Boys 0 #140 10 4,685
EE Girls 0 #140 3 1,888
LU Girls 0 #140 47 4,850
BW Girls 0 #147 5 4,216
RS Boys 0 #152 3 2,277
MT Boys 0 #158 19 4,064
PR Girls 0 #166 2 3,171
HU Boys 0 #172 3 3,954
PR Boys 0 #173 6 2,508
SI Girls 0 #173 5 2,769
LT Girls 0 #174 21 1,904
MO Boys 0 #177 47 5,842
AO Boys 0 #178 66 5,568
HR 0 #178 4 2,081
SG Girls 0 #180 641 18,916
CZ 0 #181 6 3,154
UY 0 #181 2 2,477
MO Girls 0 #183 69 7,056
PL 0 #185 28 2,600
QA Girls 0 #187 131 15,378
TW Girls 0 #189 91 8,139
AR 0 #190 4 2,915
Austria 0 #191 23 850
NL Boys 0 #194 2,193 5,873
AL Girls 0 #196 27 4,141
NA Girls 0 #199 26 7,146
AO Girls 0 #200 10 4,575
DK 0 #201 6 5,198
EG Boys 0 #201 2,307 15,035
TW Boys 0 #201 41 7,111
PL Girls 0 #205 216 5,096
SA 0 #206 90 10,560
PS 0 #207 12 5,692
HK 0 #208 152 8,483
SI Boys 0 #208 4 3,402
PH Boys 0 #210 192 11,440
MY 0 #212 125 12,352
BD 0 #213 15 5,992
HK Girls 0 #213 683 16,104
NA Boys 0 #215 21 6,830
BG Boys 0 #217 4 3,850
GR Girls 0 #217 26 6,293
JP Girls 0 #220 26 6,592
HU Girls 0 #223 3 3,308
BG Girls 0 #225 7 3,559
EC Boys 0 #225 15 3,322
IR 0 #225 7 4,221
Belgium Boys 1997 #226 24 444
HR Boys 0 #228 31 3,997
PT 0 #228 19 4,161
Germany 0 #234 234 2,542
GH 0 #242 7 5,396
MU Boys 0 #247 112 8,477
JM Girls 0 #250 10 7,507
NG 0 #252 13 5,926
JP Boys 0 #253 45 7,909
PT Boys 0 #255 122 7,951
CN Girls 0 #256 94 8,829
IL 0 #258 17 6,291
Austria Boys 0 #260 200 2,180
Germany Boys 0 #261 1,503 5,697
MU Girls 0 #262 90 8,539
JM Boys 0 #263 10 6,876
NL 0 #266 131 2,481
GR Boys 0 #268 6 6,912
AF Boys 0 #270 5 3,535
AL Boys 0 #272 27 5,122
KZ Boys 0 #273 17 6,578
HR Girls 0 #275 15 3,687
CN Boys 0 #277 43 9,639
CZ Boys 0 #280 25 6,530
JO Boys 0 #281 98 7,057
Canada Girls 2021 #285 6 2,910
SD Girls 0 #285 61 7,678
BR 0 #288 58 5,969
SD Boys 0 #288 165 10,523
DK Girls 0 #292 25 7,429
GH Boys 0 #295 52 8,138
PE 0 #295 16 6,350
JO Girls 0 #299 27 7,570
OM Girls 0 #305 92 15,987
CL 0 #308 105 6,867
PL Boys 0 #308 28 6,459
DK Boys 0 #313 13 7,401
EG 0 #319 83 6,387
HK Boys 0 #323 227 12,905
IQ Girls 0 #326 189 11,303
KZ Girls 0 #327 6 5,862
NL Girls 0 #328 1,027 5,933
GH Girls 0 #333 5 6,973
GT 0 #334 5 5,948
YE 0 #340 42 8,639
PT Girls 0 #343 113 7,952
CZ Girls 0 #346 6 5,378
SA Girls 0 #348 746 25,931
KW Girls 0 #353 164 19,177
MY Boys 0 #354 1,217 25,439
ZA 0 #355 93 14,421
AE Girls 0 #361 194 20,968
BD Girls 0 #367 20 8,413
Spain 0 #368 85 2,326
Austria Girls 0 #369 52 1,885
Finland Girls 0 #371 21 1,368
UY Boys 0 #376 24 5,922
France Boys 2021 #385 3 2,865
MX 0 #390 24 8,339
SG Boys 0 #393 335 17,960
AR Boys 0 #396 72 7,628
BR Girls 0 #396 909 12,708
BO 0 #401 8 6,868
France Girls 2021 #403 3 3,185
Finland Boys 0 #403 25 2,041
BH 0 #415 139 17,937
RU Boys 0 #420 86 12,621
TN 0 #428 533 13,765
CR Boys 0 #431 57 10,188
LY 0 #434 103 12,703
DZ 0 #438 1,233 20,130
GT Boys 0 #453 22 7,625
PA Boys 0 #454 28 9,305
CO 0 #459 22 7,768
MY Girls 0 #459 666 24,821
PS Boys 0 #461 88 10,655
BR Boys 0 #462 338 12,213
CL Girls 0 #463 469 14,098
CM Boys 0 #467 84 12,054
IQ Boys 0 #467 205 13,071
BD Boys 0 #468 111 10,045
RU Girls 0 #469 30 11,913
CL Boys 0 #480 196 13,390
CR Girls 0 #482 51 11,342
Germany Girls 0 #488 428 4,949
PS Girls 0 #488 36 10,981
UY Girls 0 #493 18 6,731
IR Boys 0 #503 50 10,162
IL Boys 0 #507 101 10,983
PA Girls 0 #513 6 9,861
CM Girls 0 #515 26 11,671
IR Girls 0 #519 12 8,334
LB 0 #519 140 13,263
EG Girls 0 #526 521 14,742
IT 0 #535 183 4,183
GT Girls 0 #541 1 7,500
QA Boys 0 #552 156 18,093
BO Boys 0 #557 36 9,244
Spain Boys 0 #562 421 5,610
AR Girls 0 #565 35 8,289
IL Girls 0 #576 42 11,648
IN Girls 0 #578 54 13,121
KW Boys 0 #578 193 18,755
MA 0 #578 737 20,986
SY 0 #599 131 11,684
IT Boys 0 #632 1,211 10,046
BO Girls 0 #643 9 9,488
CO Boys 0 #652 283 15,656
MX Boys 0 #690 307 16,355
PE Boys 0 #692 188 14,506
OM Boys 0 #716 166 17,948
NG Girls 0 #736 51 15,093
NG Boys 0 #750 206 16,906
ZA Girls 0 #764 414 25,928
IT Girls 0 #772 876 9,415
Spain Girls 0 #777 208 5,561
AE Boys 0 #848 246 22,615
ZA Boys 0 #875 312 25,619
United States Boys 2024 #882 11 7,044
United States Girls 2024 #884 33 8,487
IN Boys 0 #891 111 16,750
PE Girls 0 #914 30 14,861
SA Boys 0 #915 845 28,008
CO Girls 0 #1,040 39 16,140
MX Girls 0 #1,095 89 17,781
TR 0 #1,130 82 19,440

Jo is popular in 94 countries — most recent births per country:

Norway
France
Scotland, United Kingdom
United States
Ireland

Did we miss something about this name? Let us know!

People also ask about Jo

Jo is a unisex name, given to both boys and girls.
Jo is a one syllable name, pronounced {'IPA': '/dʒoʊ/', 'respelling': 'JOH'}.
Common nicknames and spelling variations include Joe, Joey, Jojo, Joan, Joanne and Joanna.
Across languages, Jo has these equivalents: Joe (English, masculine diminutive), José (Spanish, equivalent of Joseph), Giuseppe (Italian), Josef/Joseph (German/Scandinavian), João (Portuguese), and 3 more.
Yes, very popular — Jo ranked #1 in Ireland in 2018, and appears in official birth registries across 8 countries.
Jo ranks highest in Ireland (#1 in 2018).
Yes — 9 notable people named Jo are in our database, including Jo Van Fleet (Actor), JoBeth Williams (Actor), Jo Stafford (Actor).