Jno.

Writing & Everyday abbreviation · Given Name

Jno. stands for John, a given name abbreviation.

Old written form of John in colonial American and British records, letters, tax lists and signatures. Despite its appearance, it does not stand for Jonathan, a point genealogists repeatedly stress.

Example: The tax list for 1772 includes Jno. Parker, Saml. Parker and Wm. Parker of the same township.

Usage notes

The form probably derives from the Latin Johannes. Genealogists stress that Jno. means John, while Jonathan was usually written Jona. or Jonath. The abbreviation was common through the early 19th century and is a frequent stumbling block for modern transcribers.

Related abbreviations

More given name abbreviations

• Edw. – Edward
• Eliz. – Elizabeth
• Fredk. – Frederick
• Geo. – George
• Hy. – Henry
• Jas. – James
• Jos. – Joseph
• Margt. – Margaret
• Nathl. – Nathaniel
• Richd. – Richard
• Robt. – Robert
• Saml. – Samuel

See all 19 given name abbreviations →

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