James
James is a classic English name derived from the Hebrew name Jacob, meaning 'supplanter' or 'one who follows.' It has been a royal and presidential name with deep biblical roots, associated with two apostles in the New Testament.
Current Popularity
Popularity over time
Dashed bar: 2026 (projected): 12,012. How this is calculated
Yearly values
- 2011: 13,275
- 2012: 13,458
- 2013: 13,596
- 2014: 14,464
- 2015: 14,865
- 2016: 14,920
- 2017: 14,362
- 2018: 13,650
- 2019: 13,198
- 2020: 12,390
- 2021: 12,474
- 2022: 12,119
- 2023: 11,739
- 2024: 11,856
- 2025: 11,945
- 2026 (projected): 12,012
Good to Know
- •One of the most enduringly popular names across English-speaking countries
- •Easy to spell and pronounce in multiple languages
- •Works well in both formal and casual settings
- •Has been borne by six U.S. presidents and multiple British kings
- •Very popular - your child may share this name with classmates
- •Multiple spelling variations exist
Similar Names
Famous People
James Madison
4th U.S. President
James Dean
Iconic Actor
LeBron James
NBA Basketball Player
James Cameron
Film Director
Statistics
5,250,638
Total births since 1880
1947
Peak year
Discovery
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