James
James is a boy name of Hebrew origin, ranked #9 in popularity, meaning Supplanter; a timeless classic.
What James means
Supplanter; a timeless classic.
James sits at 5 letters, and ends on a consonant, which gives it a firmer stop.
Where James comes from
Hebrew names are frequently built as short phrases rather than single words, and many are theophoric — they contain a name of God as one element. This is why so many carry a full sentence of meaning.
James is recorded as Hebrew in origin. Browse other Hebrew names.
How popular is James?
James is ranked #9, which places it in the very top tier of boy names in use right now. Expect it to be instantly recognised and correctly spelled by almost everyone — and expect your child to meet others with the same name.
The character of James
We group James under the long-established classics and scripture — an unusual pairing, and often the reason a name feels the way it does. Each theme opens a full list of names sharing it.
Names like James
These share James's themes, origin, or both — closest first.
- Joseph — God will increase.
- Benjamin — Son of the right hand.
- Jacob — Supplanter; holder of the heel.
- John — God is gracious.
- Josephine — God will increase.
- Judith — Woman of Judea; praised.
- Elizabeth — Pledged to God; God is my oath.
- Leah — Weary; delicate.
- Mary — Beloved; star of the sea.
- Rebecca — To bind; captivating.
- Sarah — Princess; noblewoman.
- Theodore — Gift of God.