Why is the phrase, “Keeping up with the Joneses” so popular when we are talking about increasing one status or standing in life?

Was there an actual family named Jones attached to this phrase?

Why not use, “Keeping up with the Johnsons or Keeping up with the Smiths or Keeping with the Washingtons?”

Shucks we already have, “Keeping up with the Kardashians” into our pop culture these days.  However, I don’t think anyone should be trying to keep up with them. LOL!!

Just another thing that makes you go….Hmmm?