"God will add, God will increase"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Jo
Pronunciation: [ j-OH ]
Does Jo flow with your last name?
Named for literature's most spirited rebel
English
American
Dutch
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Strong
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Playful
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"short form of Josephine"
Origin: Hebrew via Latin
Language: English
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The Story of Jo
Jo is a short form of Josephine or Joanna, ultimately from the Hebrew Yosef (Joseph) meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' As an independent given name for girls, Jo became celebrated through Louisa May Alcott's iconic character Josephine 'Jo' March in Little Women (1868), who embodied independence, creativity, and strength at a time when such qualities were rarely celebrated in female characters.
Jo has been experiencing a gentle renaissance as part of the trend toward short, confident names for girls. Its literary credentials are impeccable, and it fits perfectly with the modern taste for names that are neither overtly feminine nor masculine but simply strong and clear.
Jo March from Little Women is one of American literature's most beloved protagonists, having inspired generations of girls with her writing ambitions, fierce independence, and refusal to conform. The name Jo carries her legacy. In Dutch culture, Jo is used as a short form of Johannes or Johanna and appears in both genders.
Historical Record
Jo first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 93,310 babies have been named Jo in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Jo is past its peak , currently ranked #4,308 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Jo March from Little Women (1868) is often cited as one of the first truly modern, complex female characters in American literature
- Louisa May Alcott, who wrote Little Women, used Jo as a semi-autobiographical character
- The name Jo appears across many cultures as a short form of various Johannes-derived names
Jo in Other Languages
Dutch
Jo
French
Jo
German
Jo
Italian
Jo
Spanish
Jo
Popularity Over Time
#4,308
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1954
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Jo
J
Jo Cox
Politician
1974
British Labour MP and humanitarian activist murdered in 2016, remembered for her passionate advocacy for refugees and hu...
British Labour MP and humanitarian activist murdered in 2016, remembered for her passionate advocacy for refugees and human rights
J
Jo March Fictional
Writer
The beloved protagonist of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women (1868), an aspiring writer and one of literature's most icon...
The beloved protagonist of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women (1868), an aspiring writer and one of literature's most iconic female characters
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Compare Jo with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #4,308
- Total SSA Count
- 33
- Cultural Origins
- English American Dutch
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Jo
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Jo is also used as a boy name, ranked #7996.
View Jo as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Hebrew Shimon origin
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Lucienne
Girl
Latin origin
"light"
#4,302 in US
Islay
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Scottish Gaelic origin
"the island"
#4,471 in US
Jadyn
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Hebrew origin
"thankful, one whom God hears"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jo
What does the name Jo mean?
"God will add, God will increase" (from Hebrew). "short form of Josephine" (from Hebrew via Latin). Jo is a short form of Josephine or Joanna, ultimately from the Hebrew Yosef (Joseph) meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' As an independent given name for girls, Jo became celebrated through Louisa May Alcott's iconic character Josephine 'Jo' March in Little Women (1868), who embodied independence, creativity, and strength at a time when such qualities were rarely celebrated in female characters.
What is the origin of the name Jo?
Jo has Hebrew, Hebrew via Latin, English, American, and Dutch origins. In Hebrew, it means "God will add, God will increase". In Hebrew via Latin, it means "short form of Josephine".
Is Jo a boy or girl name?
Jo is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #4308. As a boy name, it is ranked #7996. Jo is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Jo?
Jo is pronounced j-OH.
How popular is the name Jo?
Jo is currently ranked #4308 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Jo?
Popular middle name pairings include Jo Ellen, Jo Marie, Jo Ann, Jo Louise, Jo Elise, and Jo Catherine.
What are good sibling names for Jo?
Names that pair well with Jo as siblings include Meg, Beth, Amy, Scout, Finn, and Max.
How many syllables does Jo have?
Jo has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Jo a common or rare name?
Jo is an uncommon name, ranked #4308 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Jo?
About the Name Jo
Jo is a girl name with English, American, and Dutch origins . The name means "God will add, God will increase" in Hebrew .
Is Jo a boy or girl name? Jo is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #4,308 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #7,996. Jo is more commonly used as a girl name.
Jo is currently ranked #4,308 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Jo has 1 syllable and is pronounced j-OH, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Jo include Josephine, Josie, Journee, Journey, Jordyn . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis