Jo

Jo is a short form of names beginning with Jo-, most commonly Josephine, Joanna, or Joan, all of which trace back ultimately to the Hebrew name Yohanah or Yehoseph, carrying meanings of God is gracious and God will add respectively. It developed as an independent given name in English-speaking countries during the nineteenth century, gaining particular cultural prominence through the character Jo March in Louisa May Alcott's novel Little Women (1868). The name is used for both males and females, functioning as a standalone name as well as a nickname. Related forms include Joe, Joey, Joanna, and Josie.