James: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced JAYMZ · 1 syllable
James means “supplanter (from Jacob)”, from Hebrew.
A given name from Hebrew popular since the Middle Ages. Also a common middle name.
- Meaning
- supplanter (from Jacob)
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- JAYMZ
- US rank (2025)
- #6
- US babies a year
- about 12,125 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1940
- Style
- Vintage, Classic, Biblical
- Nicknames
- Jim, Jimmy, Jay
How popular is James?
James was the #6 name in the US in 2025, given to 12,004 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1940.
Most popular in Mississippi (#1), Wyoming (#2), Alabama (#3), Louisiana (#3), Connecticut (#4), Delaware (#4), New Hampshire (#4), South Carolina (#4).
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #6 |
| England & Wales | #24 |
| Scotland | #3 |
| Northern Ireland | #1 |
| Ireland | #4 |
| France | #167 |
| Norway | #347 |
| Canada | #6 |
| Australia | #18 |
How old are people named James?
Half of US adults named James are older than 61; most are between 26 and 84. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for James
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named James have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like James
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
- The most popular boy names in the US
- Classic boy names
- Vintage boy names
- Biblical boy names
- Hebrew boy names
Questions about James
What does the name James mean?
James means “supplanter (from Jacob)”. It comes from Hebrew.
How do you pronounce James?
James is pronounced JAYMZ.
How popular is the name James?
James was the #6 name in the US in 2025, given to 12,004 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1940.
How old are people named James?
Half of US adults named James are older than 61. Most are between 26 and 84.