Jo
Meaning: Its source is Yosef, a Hebrew name meaning "The Lord's addition (to the family)."
Languages: This boy's name is used in Dutch and English.
Narrative: Joseph of the Jewish scriptures was the youngest son of Jacob, and wearer of what a modern stage version of his story calls the ''technicolor dream coat.'' Sold into slavery in Egypt by his jealous brothers, he used his prophetic and administrative powers to achieve a position in which he ruled the country in Pharaoh's name. When his brothers sought help from Egypt during a famine, Joseph answered their treachery with forgiveness.
Christians also use this name in honor of another Joseph, foster-father of Jesus. The Bible relates little about him besides his carpenter's trade, his faith in God's messages, and his care for his child and his wife, Mary. He is a revered symbol of trusting patience and vigilant protection.
Arts and Music
- Jo Walker-Meador
- Country Music Hall of Fame (see list of Country Music Hall of Fame)
None
Languages: This girl's name is used in English.
Compound Forms: Amandajo, Amijo, Billiejo, Bobbiejo, Bobbijo, Bobijo, Joangie, Joellen, Jolyn, Jolynn, Kellyjo and Maryjo
Popularity: The name Jo ranked 250th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.
This name is highly rated in the 1990 U.S. Census popularity survey of all ages, but after 1960 does not appear in the state data listing the most popular baby names.
Arts and Music
- Jo Dee Messina (born 1970)
American singer
- Winner of the 1999 Country Music Association Horizon Award of the Year (see list of Country Music Association Award Winners)
Leadership
- Jo Ann Emerson (born 1950)
American legislator.
- Representative, R-Missouri, 1996- (see list of Women in the House of Representatives)
Sports
- Jo Mraz
- Member of the Women''s International Bowling Congress Hall of Fame (see list of Women's International Bowling Congress Hall of Fame)
Stage and Screen
- Jo Van Fleet (born 1919, died 1996)
American actress.
- 1955 Academy Award winner for her performance in East of Eden (see list of Oscar Winners for Best Supporting Actress)
- Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame for Motion Picture (see list of Movie Personalities with Stars in the Hollywood Walk of Fame)
- Jo Beth Reynolds
Fictional character.
- Portrayed by Daphne Zuniga (see list of Characters on ''Melrose Place'')
- Jo Stafford (born 1918)
American singer.
- Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television (see list of Television Personalities with Stars in the Hollywood Walk of Fame)
- Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame for Radio (see list of Radio Personalities with Stars in the Hollywood Walk of Fame)
- Jo Stockton
Fictional character.
- Character in Funny Face (see list of see Audrey Hepburn's Roles)
Teasing Nicknames:
- Joke
- Joe Blow
- Jo Jo from Kokamo
Associations:
''Joe six-pack'' is a phrase used to describe a man who lazes about, consuming beer by the six-pack.
A ''po' Joe'' or ''poor Joe'' is a blue heron.
In African-American slang, a ''Joe Moore'' was a good-luck charm carried by a gambler.
In African-American slang, to ''knock a Joe'' meant to purposely injure oneself in order to be released from chain gang labor.
''Little Joe in the snow'' is cocaine.
A ''holy Joe'' is a member of the clergy.
''Joe Citizen,'' ''Joe Blow'' and ''Joe Doakes'' all refer to a typical male representitive of the general public.
A typical male college student is referred to as ''Joe College.''
In Australian slang, the delirium tremens, or uncontrollable shaking due to alcoholism, are referred to as ''the Joe Blakes,'' and ''Joe Blake'' is also a slang term for a snake.
''The Joes'' is an Australian slang term for a bout of depression.
A ''sloppy Joe'' is either a casual, loose-fitting sweater or a messy, open-faced sandwich made with a tomato and meat sauce.
''Joe Sad'' is a slang term for a sad person.
''Joe Schmo'' is a slang term for a jerk, or an unpleasant person.
