James

Meaning & Origin

Meaning: Supplanter

Background: The name James originates from the Latin name 'Iacomus,' which derives from the Greek 'Iakobos,' itself rooted in the Hebrew name 'Ya'aqov' (יעקב). The meaning of James is linked to the concept of a 'supplanter,' referring to someone who takes the place of another.

At a glance

Quick stats based on the history of this name.

Lifetime rank
#1
Total births
5,262,396
Most popular decade
1940s (2,394,999 births)
10-year trend
↑ Rising (+4 ranks)
Years in Top 100
145
First recorded year
1880

Gender usage

99.5% male 0.5% female

Stats by gender

Male

First year
1880
First year births
5,927
First year rank
#3
Peak year
1947
Peak year births
94,763
Peak rank
#1
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
11,793
Recent rank
#5

Female

First year
1880
First year births
22
First year rank
#342
Peak year
1928
Peak year births
427
Peak rank
#319
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
68
Recent rank
#2,573

Births over time

Number of babies given this name each year.

Rank over time

Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).

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