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Home › Baby Names Directory › Jo

Jo

♂ Boy

Pronounced JOH /ˈdʒoʊ/High

Meaning: A short form of names like Joseph ('God will add'), John ('God is gracious'), and Jonathan ('gift of God'); used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: God will add; God is gracious: Jo is a short form of Joseph/John. Crisp, warm, and homey. Used for both sexes (here for boys; said 'JOH').
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Origin LowHebrew
MeaningA short form of names like Joseph ('God will add'), John ('God is gracious'), and Jonathan ('gift of God'); used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layered
U.S. rank (2025)#9273 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births8 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1960
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,854

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196019112025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Jo is a short form of names like Joseph ('God will add'), John ('God is gracious'), and Jonathan ('gift of God'; routes layered, which we note). Used for both sexes, here for a boy (slug distinguished). A crisp, homey name (said 'JOH').

In the U.S. it appears for both sexes. Rare on its own, God-will-add at the root, and homey.

Did you know? Jo is a short form of names like Joseph ('God will add'), John ('God is gracious'), and Jonathan ('gift of God') — a crisp, homey name, used for both sexes (here for boys; the routes are layered, which we note; said 'JOH').
Overall data confidence 40%
References — Jo — unisex; routes layered

Variations

JoeJoeyJoseph

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Jo…

Joe— the standard spelling
Joey— a fellow Jo- pet form
Jojo— a kin reduplicated Jo- name
Jody— another Jo- boys' name

Explore names like Jo

By themeuncertainhebrewunisexnickname-name
By meaningGod / DivineGraceGift / Blessing

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Jo mean?

Jo is a short form of Joseph ('God will add'), John ('God is gracious'), or Jonathan; used for both sexes; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Jo?

It's said JOH /ˈdʒoʊ/ — one syllable.

Is Jo a boy or girl name?

Jo is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Jo?

Jo is a rare name in the U.S.

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