Bettyjo is a unique and distinctive female given name of American origin. It is believed to have been coined by American author Truman Capote in his 1966 novel "Handcarved Coffins." The protagonist of the novel, a young girl named Betty Jo, was reportedly named after two of Capote's close friends, Betty Baxter and Jo Adams.
The name Bettyjo has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among parents who are looking for unique and memorable names for their daughters. While it may not have a direct translation or specific meaning like many traditional names, Bettyjo is often associated with the qualities of its component parts: Betty, which means "pledged to you" or "to pledge," and Jo, short for Josephine, which means "Jehovah increases."
Despite its unconventional origin, Bettyjo has become a popular choice among parents who appreciate its unique sound and distinctive spelling. It is often misspelled or mispronounced, but those who are familiar with the name recognize it as a charming and unusual choice.
Statistics for the name Bettyjo
The name Bettyjo has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, as indicated by its birth statistics from 1920 to 2021.
From 1920 to 1965, there were periods where the name was quite popular. The highest year for births with this name during this period was 31 births in 1965. This suggests that during these years, Bettyjo was a well-liked choice among parents.
However, from 1966 onwards, we see a significant decrease in the popularity of the name Bettyjo. The highest number of births with this name between 1966 and 2021 is 24 births in 1968, which is notably lower than the peak seen earlier.
Most recently, in 2021, there were only 5 births with the name Bettyjo, indicating that it is not as commonly chosen by parents today compared to previous decades. This could suggest a shift in naming trends or preferences over time.
In total, from 1920 to 2021, there have been 771 births registered with the name Bettyjo in the United States. While the popularity of this name has fluctuated significantly over the years, it remains a part of American naming history.