A 1950s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Jo since 1881
Babies named Jo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 69 |
| 1890s | 140 |
| 1900s | 311 |
| 1910s | 1,192 |
| 1920s | 6,896 |
| 1930s | 28,653 |
| 1940s | 48,449 |
| 1950s | 63,939 |
| 1960s | 20,197 |
| 1970s | 5,918 |
| 1980s | 1,985 |
| 1990s | 609 |
| 2000s | 223 |
| 2010s | 246 |
| 2020s | 230 |
Meaning & origin
Jo is a short and spunky name that has maintained a steady presence in American naming culture. First recorded in 1881, it reached its peak popularity in 1954, when it ranked among the top names of the decade. In recent years, Jo has seen a resurgence, rising in usage since 2010, likely due to a renewed appreciation for simple, vintage nicknames as standalone names. Its highest concentration is found in California, reflecting its appeal in diverse, trend-forward regions. With a current 1-in-44,646 birth rate, Jo remains a rare but recognizable choice, offering a retro charm without feeling dated.
Jo originated as a diminutive of Josephine (feminine form of Joseph) or Joanna (feminine form of John), both of which trace back to Hebrew roots. Joseph comes from Yosef, meaning 'He will add', while John derives from Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious'. In the United States, Jo gained popularity as an independent given name in the early 20th century, often used as a short form or middle name.
Where Jo is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Jo” around the world
Where Jo lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Jo
Names that share Jo's style, for a brother or sister.
