Skip Ancestry main menuMain MenuAncestry
HomeTreesSearchDNAHelpExtras
Sign In
Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
  • Support Centre
  • Ancestry Blog
  • About Us
  • Site Map
  • Gift Memberships
  • Careers
    • Ancestry Corporate
    • Fold3.com
    • ForcesWarRecords.com
    • Geneanet.org
    • Newspapers.com
    • ProGenealogists.com
    • RootsWeb.com
  • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
  • Privacy
  • Cookies
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
Group of people

Meaning of the first name Jo

Origin

Hebrew

Meaning

Nickname for names starting with JO-

Variations

Job, Joe, Joi
The name Jo has its origins rooted in the Hebrew language, serving as a nickname for names beginning with JO-, such as Joseph or John. Throughout history, the name Jo has maintained a presence in various cultures and has been used in different contexts. In biblical times, Joseph was a prominent figure in Hebrew history, known for his interpretation of dreams and rise to power in Egypt. The name Jo, derived from Joseph, may have also indicated an abbreviation or familiar version of the name, providing a more approachable alternative.

In modern-day usage, the name Jo continues to be utilized as both a standalone name and a diminutive. It can be seen in various languages, although often more prevalent in English-speaking countries. The simplicity and versatility of the name Jo have made it an attractive choice for many parents seeking a gender-neutral or unisex name for their child. Additionally, throughout popular culture, the name Jo has been adopted by several notable individuals, such as Jo Rowling, the renowned author of the Harry Potter series. The enduring popularity and usage of the name Jo across different time periods and cultures demonstrate its enduring appeal and adaptability.

Based on our records...

Smith

This is the most common surname associated with Jo.

James

This is the most common name of those married to a Jo.

John

This is the most common name for a child of a Jo.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

What are you curious about?

Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
Start a free trial
Order AncestryDNA
Based on our records...

Did you know?

1934 is when there were the most people born with the first name Jo.

Explore the origins of another name.