God will increase; God is gracious
Originally a short form of Joanna or Josephine, Jo has stood alone as a minimalist name for centuries. It derives from Hebrew roots meaning 'God will increase' via Josephine or 'God is gracious' via Joanna. In literature, it is famously associated with the spirited protagonist of Little Women.
Less common today
Jo isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #1,717 in 1990.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
The independent protagonist and aspiring writer · Little Women
Traditional pop singer and Grammy winner
English comedian and actress
Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats
British long-distance runner and European champion
