James
English · Boy · 2 syllables
Popularity & facts
Relative popularity index, 2010–2025Popularity over time
Popularity indexHistorical popularity from 1880–2025 · US Social Security Administration data
About the name James
James derives from the Hebrew name Yaakov (Jacob), meaning "supplanter" or "one who follows," and entered English through the Latin Jacobus and Old French James.
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Etymology
James derives from the Hebrew name Yaakov (Jacob), meaning "supplanter" or "one who follows," and entered English through the Latin Jacobus and Old French James. The name is used across Christian, Jewish, and secular Western cultures, becoming particularly prominent in English-speaking countries through royal lineage (notably King James I) and biblical tradition as the name of two apostles.
James currently ranks #6 in the United States as a boy's name. It reached its peak popularity around 1947.
Variants & nicknames
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Sibling name ideas
English, Biblical, Dutch (Modern) names that sit beautifully beside JamesSimilar names you might like
Names starting with JMore names starting with J
- Jack
- Jade
- Jaana
- Jacob
- Jackson
- Jacobus
- Jacqueline
- Jacoba
- Jace
- Jacek
- Jacinta
- Jaden
- Jad
- Jackie
- Jacky
- Jac
- Jada
- Jacques
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