James vs Jo

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

James

Boy #5 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"supplanter, one who follows at the heel"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

English Scottish Biblical

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#5
Total SSA Count
11,793
Syllables
1
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Jim, Jimmy, Jamie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for James →

Jo

Girl #4,308 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"God will add, God will increase"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

English American Dutch

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#4,308
Total SSA Count
33
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Jo →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Jo Rank #4,308

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #4308 for Jo.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

James ___

  • James Alexander
  • James William
  • James Thomas
  • James Edward
  • James Henry
  • James Patrick

Jo ___

  • Jo Ellen
  • Jo Marie
  • Jo Ann
  • Jo Louise
  • Jo Elise
  • Jo Catherine

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Jo

Meg Beth Amy Scout Finn

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is James or Jo more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Jo at #4308 in the United States.

What do James and Jo mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Jo means "God will add, God will increase" (Hebrew origin).

Are James and Jo boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Jo is primarily a girl name.

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