What does James mean and where does it come from?
Traditionally a male name, James has been increasingly adopted as a feminine name in modern times. It originates from the Hebrew name Jacob, meaning 'supplanter' or 'one who follows.' James has a rich history in royal lineage, notably with King James I of England, and remains a popular name across E
Cultural significance
James has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of supplanter.
Peak popularity
Reached #1 in 1940 — currently #4 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell James?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with James?
James works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
James Grace
Most popular combo · classic
James Rose
Floral · soft ending
James Mae
Sweet · timeless
James Claire
French influence · crisp
James Jane
Literary · strong
James Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is James right now?
Holding steady — currently #4 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #4 | 11,727 | stable · -3% births |
| 2022 | #4 | 12,109 | ▲ up 1 · -3% births |
| 2021 | #5 | 12,464 | ▲ up 1 · +2% births |
| 2020 | #6 | 12,250 | ▲ up 1 · -17% births |
| 2015 | #7 | 14,824 | ▲ up 12 · +7% births |
| 2010 | #19 | 13,883 | ▼ down 2 · -14% births |
| 2005 | #17 | 16,135 | ▲ up 1 · -10% births |
| 2000 | #18 | 17,987 | ▼ down 1 · -21% births |
| 1995 | #17 | 22,730 | ▼ down 9 · -30% births |
| 1990 | #8 | 32,349 | ▼ down 1 · -10% births |
| 1985 | #7 | 35,861 | ▼ down 2 · -9% births |
| 1980 | #5 | 39,325 | ▼ down 1 · -1% births |
| 1975 | #4 | 39,591 | ▼ down 2 · -36% births |
| 1970 | #2 | 61,759 | ▲ up 2 · -9% births |
| 1965 | #4 | 67,701 | — |
The story of James
James has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It reached the #1 spot in 1940, making it the most popular boy name in America that year. Over 5213K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. James is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside James in 1940:
James by decade
James peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 54,323 | |
| 1890s | 51,006 | |
| 1900s | 62,527 | |
| 1910s | 276,398 | |
| 1920s | 518,519 | |
| 1930s | 550,302 | |
| 1940s | 798,246 | |
| 1950s ★ | 846,083 | |
| 1960s | 687,870 | |
| 1970s | 447,777 | |
| 1980s | 359,087 | |
| 1990s | 245,575 | |
| 2000s | 163,523 | |
| 2010s | 139,642 | |
| 2020s | 12,313 | |
What are good nicknames for James?
DUTCH
CobusCoosJaapKobeKobusKoosSjakie
Famous people named James
J(
James (Biblical apostle)
One of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, whose name became one of the most enduring in Christian tradition
JB
James Baldwin
American novelist, playwright, and civil rights activist known for Go Tell It on the Mountain
JD
James Dean
Iconic American actor who became a cultural symbol of teenage disillusionment in the 1950s
LJ
LeBron James
Four-time NBA champion widely considered among the greatest basketball players of all time
JW
James Watson
Co-discoverer of the DNA double helix structure, Nobel Prize winner in Physiology or Medicine
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like James?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love James also consider these
How is James written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of James?
Common questions about the name James
What does the name James mean?
James means "supplanter" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name James?
James is currently ranked #4 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of James?
James originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name James?
James is a two-syllable name pronounced JH EY1 M IY0 Z. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is James more of a girl or boy name?
James is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.