James
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Supplanter; one who follows
Origin: Latin Iacomus, from Greek Iakobos, from Hebrew Yaakov (Jacob)
Popularity: Ranked #6 in 2025 with 11,945 babies born.
History: James is one of the most enduring English names in history. It has been borne by six kings of Scotland, seven U.S. presidents, apostles, saints, and countless cultural icons from James Dean to James Brown. The name never truly fell out of fashion — it has ranked in the U.S. top 10 in almost every decade since records began. Classic, timeless, and infinitely nicknameable (Jim, Jimmy, Jamie), James remains a bedrock choice.
Famous people named James: James Dean (actor), James Brown (musician), LeBron James (athlete), James Bond (fictional spy)
Name length: 5 letters
How common is James? About 1 in 277 babies born in 2025 were named James, or roughly 32.9 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about James
What does the name James mean?
James means “Supplanter; one who follows” from Latin Iacomus, from Greek Iakobos, from Hebrew Yaakov (Jacob) roots.
What is the origin of the name James?
James has Latin Iacomus, from Greek Iakobos, from Hebrew Yaakov (Jacob) origin. The traditional meaning is “Supplanter; one who follows”.
How popular is James?
James ranked #6 in 2025 — given to 11,945 babies that year.
When was James most popular?
James peaked in 1947 with 94,763 babies registered that year.
Is James a boy or girl name?
James is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Jamess in registered births are male.
Is the name James rising or falling in popularity?
James has risen 2573 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #2579 in 2020 to #6 in 2025.
How long has James been recorded?
James appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.