Hebrew · boy

James

A well-loved boy name with real staying power.

Rank 2024

Trend

stable

Band

common

Styles

biblical · classic

Meaning

Supplanter, one who follows

James is a common boy name with Hebrew roots. In 2024, 11,793 newborns in the U.S. were given the name — ranking it #5 nationally, and its popularity has held steady in recent years. Its style leans biblical, classic — tags you can match against your partner's picks in the combiner.

biblicalclassic

About Hebrew names

Hebrew names are among the oldest still in everyday use, carried from the Bible into nearly every Western language. Many contain el or yah, ancient references to God, so names like Daniel, Elijah, and Michael are quietly small sentences. Alongside them run gentler meanings — Hannah's grace, David's belovedness — which helps explain why these names never really leave the rotation.

Meaning and origin are editorial; U.S. popularity comes from Social Security Administration public files.

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