Origin & Meaning of the Jo Surname
What does the last name Jo mean?
The surname Jo carries the meaning "Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin." It is derived from the Asian language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,588 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Jo ranks as the #9,108 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Jo come from?
The Jo surname has its roots in Asian heritage. Names of Asian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Jo name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Jo trace back to Asian. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Jo |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #9,108 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,588 |
| Per 100K People | 1.22 |
| First Letter | J |
Ethnic Distribution of Jo
According to the US Census, the Jo surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,588 Americans with the Jo last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 6.8% |
| Black | 1.7% |
| Hispanic | 4.43% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 85.23% |
| Native American | 0.17% |
| Two or More Races | 1.67% |
Popularity of Jo Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Jo surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Jo surname increased by 1,071 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Jo Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Jo ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Jo Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Jo Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Jo
- ✓ The Jo coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Jo families live today
- ✓ Notable Jo bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Jo
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Jo.
Other Asian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Asian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Asian origin as Jo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jo
Top Surnames Starting with J
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter J, ranked by population.
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