James

♂ Boy

Pronounced JAYMZ /dʒeɪmz/High

Meaning: Supplanter; one who takes the place of anotherHigh

In 30 seconds: The English form of Jacob, from Hebrew meaning 'supplanter.' One of the most enduring English names in history, borne by kings, presidents, and apostles.

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Origin HighHebrew, Latin

MeaningSupplanter; one who takes the place of another

Peak year1947

Total births (all-time)≈ 5,150,472

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

James traces back through the Latin Jacobus to the Hebrew Ya'aqov (Jacob), meaning 'he who supplants' or 'one who holds the heel.' In the New Testament, two of Jesus's apostles bore this name. The Latin form Jacomus evolved in Old French to Gemmes and eventually James in English.

James became firmly established in Scotland and England, borne by six kings of Scotland and two of England. It has never left the U.S. top 20 boys' names since records began in 1880. Six U.S. presidents have borne this name, more than any other.

Did you know? James is the Late Latin form Jacomus, a variant of Jacobus (Jacob). The two names — James and Jacob — are the same name in different linguistic traditions from the same Hebrew root Ya'aqov.

Variations

JacobJaimeGiacomoJacquesHamishSeamus

Nicknames

JimJimmyJamieJay

Famous Bearers

★James Madison (1751–1836)
4th President of the United States, 'Father of the Constitution.'
★James Dean (1931–1955)
American actor and cultural icon of the 1950s.
★James Joyce (1882–1941)
Irish novelist, author of Ulysses and Dubliners.

If you like James…

William— fellow eternally popular English royal name

Henry— shares the stately, kingly history

John— equally timeless one-syllable biblical classic

Charles— another regal name with deep English roots

Thomas— biblical classic with the same long unbroken popularity

Frequently Asked

What does the name James mean?

James traces to the Hebrew Ya'aqov (Jacob), meaning 'supplanter' — one who takes the place of another.

How do you pronounce James?

James is a single syllable: JAYMZ /dʒeɪmz/, rhyming with 'flames.'

Is James a boy or girl name?

James is traditionally a boy's name, though it has seen occasional use as a girl's name in recent years.

How popular is James?

James has never left the U.S. top 20 boys' names since SSA records began in 1880, making it one of the most consistently popular names in American history.