[G1911]

Originally Posted by GasHouseGang

I found this being discussed on a blog. This was given as a possible explanation:

In the 19th century and before, abbreviations were often
written with the letter following the initial letter superscripted.
Everyone has seen William abbreviated as "Wm" with the "m" in superscript.
Often under the "m" would be a small circle or a dash. Of course, a dot
(small circle) is a normal indicator of an abbreviation, thus "Wm." for
William. But remember that the old pens could not make a simple dot
(without the danger of a big blot), so a dot (period, full stop, etc.) was
often made as a small "o" or a short straight line. I think John or
Johannes was originally abbreviated "Jn." probably with the "n"
superscripted, and the "." a small "o" under the "n". The "n" dropped down,
the small "o" slipped out to the right, and, voila!, you have "Jno".

This board always delivers! Thanks for this, knew there had to be a logical reason