James name meaning

✍  Updated on: March 17th, 2023
Gender: Unisex, both Boy and Girl
Origin: Hebrew and English
Usage: Bengali, English, Gujarati, Malayalam, Tamil, Greenlandic, Finnish, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian
Pronunciation: pronunciation of James j(a)-mes
Meaning: Supplanter, Jimmy, Variant of Jacob, Holds the Heel, He who Supplants
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What does James mean?

The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter". It is a biblical name derived from the Old Testament figure Jacob. The name James was also borne by two New Testament characters: James, son of Zebedee and James, the brother of Jesus.

The form Jacobs derives from Late Latin Iacobus, Greek Ἰάκωβος Iákōbos, which ultimately derives from Hebrew יעקב Yaaqov.

In the Middle Ages, the spelling Jacomus became more common in Continental Europe due to the influence of Latin.

The Latin spelling Jacomus was used in England until the 16th century when the Latin form Jacques appeared. The usageJacques for English speakers began in France and spread to England in the 17th century.

French king James VI/I was commonly called Jacques by his enemies during his reign (1603-1625).

The variant spellings Jaime and Jacobo are found in Spanish and Italian respectively. In German, Jacob is spelled Jakob while Jacques is spelled Jakobus or Jakeb; both are pronounced identically to English Jake or Jack.

In Dutch, Jacob is rendered asJacobus or Cobus while Jacques is speltJaap; again both forms are pronounced identically to English Jake or Jack.

James has been one of the most popular given names for boys in English-speaking countries since the 13th century.

There are many famous people who have the name James.

This includes actors, musicians, athletes, and more.

Some of the most famous people named James include:
-Actor James Franco
-Musician James Taylor
-Athlete LeBron James
-Actor James Earl Jones

There are a lot of reasons why the name James is a good choice for your baby.

It is classic and timeless, it has a strong meaning behind it, and it is easy to pronounce and spell. Plus, there are a lot of great nicknames that come from the name James.

If you are looking for a strong and classic name for your baby, then James is definitely a great option.

ALSO READ :  170+ Vintage Names for Your Modern Baby

How James is perceived as a baby name?

James is a popular and timeless name for baby boys that has been widely used for centuries. Its origin can be traced back to Hebrew and it means "supplanter".

The name James evokes a sense of strength, dependability, and leadership. It is a classic name that has stood the test of time and is associated with many famous figures like James Bond, James Dean, and James Brown.

Parents who choose this name for their baby boy often do so because they appreciate its traditional qualities while still being modern enough to fit in with contemporary naming trends. Whether you're looking for an elegant or sophisticated moniker, James is a versatile name that can be adapted to suit any personality or style.

How do I pronounce James?

Two syllabled James is pronounced as j(a)-mes. It can also be pronounced as jaym-z.

Variants of James

Iacobus, Iacomus, Iakobos, Yaakov, Chango, Jacques, Jacob, Jacobus, Jacoumeto, Jacqueline, Jacquelyn, Jascha, Jamie, Jamina, Jasha, Aaronjames, Jamesanthony, Aharon, Aaron, Jacomus

Nicknames for James

Check out these nickaname options for baby name James:

Names that rhyme with James

How popular is the name James?

James was among the n extremely popular names in United States. Since emerging in 1880 around 5187184 babies have been given the given name. When at its peak in 1940, it ranked 1st when 94762 parents chose the moniker for their baby boys.

However after 278 years, the name is currently sliding down on the charts but still going strong on charts. In addition to that, the given name has been in the top 5 baby names a whooping 104 times Also, James was among the very popular names in England and Wales.

Since emerging in 1996 around 131580 babies have been given the first name. At its zenith in 1997, the moniker grabbed the 2nd spot and 9853 baby boys were given the name.

However after 24 years, the name is on free fall on the charts but still dominating the charts. Additionally, the first name has been in the top 5 baby names 10 times Also, James was among the popular names in Ireland.

Since emerging in 1964 around 49288 babies have been given the first name. At its zenith in 1994, the moniker grabbed the 1st spot and 1554 baby boys were given the name.

However the graph is now showing a downward trend after 56 years but still going strong on charts. Moreover, the moniker has been to the top 5 baby names 42 times Also, James was among the popular names in Netherlands.

Since emerging in 2015 around 2426 babies have been given the name. When at the peak of its usage in 2019, 576 boys were bestowed the name and it was ranked at 8th position.

After 8 years, the name has past its prime. Additionally, the moniker has been in the top 10 baby names 1 times Also, James was a popular name in New South Wales.

Over 43765 babies have been named James since 1952. At the peak of its usage in 1996, 1178 boys were bestowed the name and it was ranked at 3rd position. However the graph is now showing a downward trend after 67 years but still dominating the charts.

Additionally, the name has been in the top 5 baby names 16 times

A common name in France with over 25186 new-borns have been given the name since 1900. Currently the name is rising, in 1945, it ranked 85th when 380 parents chose the moniker for their baby boys.

Also, James is common in Belgium where over 1138 new-borns have been given the name since 1995. Recently at its peak, 109 boys were bestowed the name and it was ranked at 101st position.

Also, James used to be a common name in Queensland, first appeared in 1960 and over 17640 babies have been given the name in 60 years. At the peak of its usage in 1993,.

However after 60 years, the name is currently sliding down on the charts but it is still going strong. Additionally, the first name has been in the top 5 baby names 2 times Also, In Western Australia, James was once a common name since emerging in 1930 it has been given to over 7780 babies.

At the peak of its usage in 2011,. However after 41 years, the name is currently sliding down on the charts but it is still going strong. Moreover, the first name has been to the top 5 baby names 18 times Also, In Victoria, James was once a common name since emerging in 2008 it has been given to over 4161 babies.

At its zenith in 2008,. However after 12 years, the name is currently sliding down on the charts but it is still going strong. Additionally, the given name has been in the top 5 baby names 2 times

James is a familiar baby name in Switzerland, it has been in use since 1998 and was able to reach the top 200 names.

Recently in 2017, 75 babies were given James and it reached its peak ranking, 125 on boy names chart. Over 774 people have been named James in Switzerland. However things change on global perspective, James is extremely popular in England where every 1 in 100 have the name as well as in, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Canada, Tanzania, South Sudan, Scotland, Philippines, Sudan and Ghana.

Also the baby name is popular in Zambia, Malawi, Australia, South Africa, Haiti, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, India, Rwanda, Papua New Guinea, Northern Ireland, Brazil, Malaysia, Colombia, Mozambique, Wales, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Jamaica, Cameroon, Indonesia, Madagascar, Burundi, DR Congo, Peru, Central African Republic, China, Egypt, Togo, East Timor, Sri Lanka, Solomon Islands, Ethiopia and Poland.

At least, 8580000 people globally have carried James as their given name according to our findings.

YearBoysGirls
RankBirthsRankBirths
2018413525348144
2017414232235077
2016514776264665
2015714773382339
2014914403364642
View more ▾View full list ▾

Facts

James in Nordic countries

CountriesMenWomen
First NameSecondary NameFirst NameSecondary Name
Netherlands17033236537
Finland3154629308

Here's what numbers has to say about James

You act protectively around the people you love and people who need help. You would climb the highest rock if that's necessary to accomplish something you want badly. You have 3 as your expression number it reveals your positive attitude toward life. You have the ability to predict things before they happen thanks to your strong intuition. You are a peacemaker and always avoid conflicts. You remind people that life is for you to live it, and not survive, something many do these days.

Looking for names similar to James? Please go through the following names

  •  Harvey - Illustrous and Evergreen unisex name Harvey is of Celtic origin, meaning of Harvey is "Army Warrior, Presumably Struggle or Eager for Battle" is commonly used in English. In 2018, famous name Harvey bagged 444th position on the list of baby boy names in United States
  •  Troy - Predominant and Conifer Latin and French Troy means "Curly Haired, To Be Strong or Foot-soldier" used in English and Finnish is a gender-neutral name
  •  Bessie - Outstanding and Evergreen unisex name Bessie has its origin in Hebrew, meaning of Bessie is "God is My Oath, House or God is Fullness" is mainly used in English and Finnish
  •  Lizzie - Lizzie's meaning is My God has Sworn, God is Fullness or My God is Abundance is a unisex name, mainly used in Swedish and Norwegian is rooted from Hebrew and Old Greek
  •  Claire - Desirable and Ever lasting unisex name Claire means "Famous or Clear" has its roots in Latin is used in Danish and French
View more names similar to James

Celebrity Baby News

Famous people named James

  • James Joyce, Irish novelist, short story writer, and poet
  • James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Abercorn, Scottish peer
  • James Flynn, New Zealand intelligence researcher
  • James Parry, Usenetter
  • James Ussher, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland between 1625 and 1656
  • James Callaghan, prime minister
  • James Bowman Lindsay, Scottish inventor and author
  • James Bacque, Canadian writer, publisher, and book editor
  • James W. Prescott, American developmental psychologist
  • James Tyrrell, English knight
  • James Mark Baldwin, American philosopher and psychologist who was educated at Princeton under the supervision of Scottish philosopher James McCosh and
  • James Balfour, Lord Pittendreich, Scottish legal writer, judge and politician
  • James Brindley, English engineer
  • James Barry, Irish painter
  • James Craig, 1st Viscount Craigavon, prominent Irish unionist politician
  • James Scullin, Australian Labor Party politician and the ninth Prime Minister of Australia
  • James Mooney, American ethnographer
  • James Pradier, Genevan-born French sculptor best
  • James Tyler Kent, American physician best remembered as a forefather of modern homeopathy
  • James Scholefield, English classical scholar
  • James Gairdner, British historian
  • James of Saint George, architect from Savoy
  • James Petrillo, leader of the American Federation of Musicians
  • James Stephen, principal English lawyer associated with the abolitionist movement
  • James Gall, Scottish clergyman
  • James Spedding, English author
  • James McIntyre, Canadian poet
  • James Harrison Rigg, English nonconformist minister and Methodist educator
  • James Hope-Scott, British barrister and Tractarian
  • James Cameron, prominent British journalist
  • James Swinburne, British electrical engineer and manufacturer
  • James Hutton, Scottish geologist, physician
  • James Watt, Scottish inventor, mechanical engineer
  • James Watson, American molecular biologist
  • James Lovelock, independent scientist, environmentalist
  • James Longstreet, was one of the foremost Confederate generals of the American Civil War and the principal subordinate to General Robert E. Lee
  • James Gosling, Canadian computer scientist
  • James Dewar, Scottish chemist and physicist
  • James Prescott Joule, English physicist, mathematician and brewer,
  • James Stirling, Scottish mathematician
  • James H. Clark, American entrepreneur and computer scientist
  • James Nasmyth, Scottish engineer, philosopher
  • James Bradley, English astronomer and priest
  • James Mill, Scottish historian, economist, political theorist
  • James Chadwick, British physicist
  • James Henry Monk, English divine and classical scholar
  • James Braid, Scottish surgeon and "gentleman scientist"
  • James Martineau, English religious philosopher influential
  • James Glaisher, English meteorologist, aeronaut and astronomer
  • James Short, Scottish mathematician and manufacturer of optical instruments
  • James Cameron, Canadian filmmaker, philanthropist
  • James Cook, British explorer, navigator, cartographer
  • James Brown, In a career that lasted 50 years
  • James Branch Cabell, American author of fantasy fiction and belles lettres
  • James Blish, American science fiction and fantasy writer
  • James Madison, James Madison Jr
  • James Monroe, American statesman and Founding Father
  • James K. Polk, 11th president of the United States
  • James Thurber, American cartoonist, author, humorist, journalist
  • James Cagney, James Francis Cagney Jr
  • James Whale, English film director, theater director and actor
  • James Spader, American actor
  • James G. Blaine, American statesman and Republican politician
  • James Stewart, American actor and military officer
  • James Randi, Canadian-American retired stage magician and a scientific skeptic
  • James Lind, Scottish doctor
  • James Clavell, British novelist, screenwriter, director
  • James Heckman, uchicago
  • James Blaylock, American fantasy author

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