James
James is a boys' name of Hebrew origin meaning “supplanter.” It ranked #6 in the United States in 2025. James derives from the Hebrew Ya'akov (Jacob) via Late Latin Jacomus.
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how do you pronounce James?
JAYMZ
where does the name James come from?
From the Late Latin Iacomus, a spoken variant of Iacobus, which renders the Hebrew Ya'aqov — the name we also receive as Jacob. James and Jacob are therefore the same name arriving by two routes, one through Latin speech and one through Latin scripture.
It has been borne by six US presidents, countless kings, and the iconic fictional spy James Bond. It has never left the US top 20 in recorded history.
the history of James
Two of the twelve apostles bore the name, and the shrine of St James at Santiago de Compostela became one of medieval Europe's great pilgrimage destinations. Six Scottish kings were called James, and the sixth, on inheriting England, commissioned the 1611 translation of the Bible that still carries his name. It has sat in the American top twenty for over a century.
how popular is this name?
James has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 146 years since 1880. It peaked at #1 in 1940, and ranked #6 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #6 |
| 2024 | #5 |
| 2023 | #4 |
| 2022 | #4 |
| 2021 | #5 |
| 2020 | #6 |
| 2019 | #6 |
| 2018 | #4 |
| 2017 | #4 |
| 2016 | #5 |
| 2010 | #19 |
| 2000 | #18 |
| 1990 | #8 |
| 1980 | #5 |
| 1970 | #2 |
| 1960 | #3 |
| 1950 | #1 |
| 1940 | #1 |
| 1930 | #2 |
| 1920 | #4 |
| 1910 | #2 |
| 1900 | #3 |
| 1890 | #3 |
| 1880 | #3 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years James fell outside the top 1,000.
what are the nicknames and variants of James?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
who are famous people named James?
- James Baldwin (American author)
- James Bond (fictional spy)
- LeBron James (NBA player)
what names are similar to James?
what names go well with James?
Sibling names that share James's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about James
What does the name James mean?
James means “supplanter”.
What is the origin of the name James?
James comes from the Hebrew naming tradition. Related forms include Jacob, Jaime, Giacomo and Jacques.
How popular is the name James?
James ranked #6 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1940, at #1, and it has spent 146 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is James a boy or girl name?
James is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce James?
James is pronounced JAYMZ, with 1 syllable.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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