Girl · 84th of 12,526
Jo
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
180,866
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1954
Peak Popularity Year
8,077
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Jo stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
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.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
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)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 8,077 peak births in 1954
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Arkansas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 3 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
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
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |