Last Name Jo

The last name "Jo" has multiple possible origins and can be found in different cultures. 1. Korean: In Korean, "Jo" (조) is a common family name that originated from the Chinese character "周" (Zhōu) during the Goryeo Dynasty. It is one of the most common surnames in South Korea. 2. Chinese: In Chinese, "Jo" is less common as a last name. However, it can be a variant transliteration of several Chinese surnames, including "赵" (Zhào), "周" (Zhōu), or "江" (Jiāng), among others. 3. Jewish: "Jo" can also be a shortened form or a variation of Jewish last names that typically start with "Jo-", such as "Joseph" or "John." These names often have biblical or Hebrew origins. 4. Other origins: In some cases, "Jo" may also be a shortened form or a nickname derived from longer surnames or personal names starting with "Jo," such as "Johnson," "Jones," or "Josephson." It can also be a standalone name of diverse origins used by various ethnic groups around the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jo

The meaning and origin of the last name Jo

The surname Jo carries a significant meaning and has a rich origin. Derived from multiple cultures and languages, it is found in countries such as Korea, China, and Greece. In the Korean context, Jo is often used as a surname given to individuals of aristocratic or noble lineage. This prestigious meaning is reflected in its origin, dating back to the Three Kingdoms period (57 BC - 668 AD) in Korean history. The Chinese variation of Jo is usually written as Zhu, representing one of the largest clans in the country with a storied history dated as far back as the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC). In Greece, Jo is a less common surname, but it is believed to originate from Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, where it is an abbreviated form of the popular surname "Josef" or "Joseph." Overall, the surname Jo carries a sense of heritage, nobility, and cultural diversity across various regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jo

The last name "Jo" has a widespread geographical distribution, found in various regions across the globe. In South Korea, "Jo" is a common surname and is ranked fourth among the most frequent surnames in the country. It is prevalent among both the Korean and Chinese populations residing in these regions. Additionally, "Jo" can also be found in other parts of East Asia, such as Japan and Vietnam, often as a result of migration or historical ties. In North America, "Jo" is present among immigrant communities, primarily those of Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese descent. Moreover, due to globalization and increased mobility, individuals with the surname "Jo" can be found in diverse countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and European nations. Hence, the last name "Jo" demonstrates a multicultural and expansive geographical distribution, reflecting the diverse origins and migrations of individuals bearing this name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jo

The last name Jo can have several variations and spellings. One variation is "Joe," which is a phonetic spelling commonly found in English-speaking countries. Another variation is "Joh," which might be a simplified version. There is also the possibility of "Johs," which could indicate a plural form or a German origin. In some cases, the last name could be spelled as "Cho," which is a common Korean surname with the same pronunciation. Other possible spellings might include "Zhou," "Zhao," or "Chou," which could denote Chinese origins. Additionally, the last name could be spelled as "Joh" in Scandinavian countries like Sweden or Norway, reflecting their respective pronunciation. Lastly, it is worth mentioning that further variations and spellings might exist across different countries and cultures, as names and their spelling can evolve or adapt over time.

Famous people with the last name Jo

Some famous people with the last name Jo include: 1. Scarlett Johansson - An internationally acclaimed actress known for her versatile roles in movies like "Lost in Translation," "The Avengers," and "Marriage Story." Johansson has received numerous accolades, including a BAFTA Award and two Academy Award nominations. 2. Billy Joel - A legendary musician and singer-songwriter famous for his timeless hits like "Piano Man," "Uptown Girl," and "We Didn't Start the Fire." Joel has sold over 150 million records worldwide and is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. 3. Lynda Joo - A renowned Korean-American pastry chef and entrepreneur. She gained popularity through television appearances on culinary shows like "Top Chef Just Desserts" and is the owner of the celebrated bakery Liliko'i Cheesecake in Chicago. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have left a lasting impact on popular culture.

Genealogical research on the last name Jo

The last name "Jo" is a Korean surname with a rich history and a significant presence in South Korea. In genealogical research, it is revealed that the name traces its origins back to various clans or family lineages known as "bon-gwan" in Korea. The largest and most prominent of these clans is the "Gyeongju Jo" clan, which originated in the city of Gyeongju during the Silla Dynasty. The clan has a long and distinguished history, with many of its members holding influential positions in government, military, and other fields throughout the centuries. Other notable Jo clans include the "Jeonju Jo" clan, originating from Jeonju, and the "Gangneung Jo" clan, originating from Gangneung. Genealogical research on the Jo surname provides valuable insights into the ancestral roots, family connections, and historical accomplishments of individuals carrying this name.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jo"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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