James
James is a girl's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Supplanter or one who follows.
Origin and history
James is an English name of Hebrew origin, derived from the name Jacob, meaning 'supplanter'. Historically used predominantly for males, James has also seen occasional and modern crossover usage as a given name for females in the United States, boosted by celebrity naming choices. It offers a classic, unisex appeal with a sleek and timeless sound.
Popularity in the United States
23,882 babies in the United States have been named James since 1880. It ranks #943 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1676.
States where it is most popular
- TX (8.7 %)
- NY (7.1 %)
- CA (6.3 %)
- NC (6.2 %)
- GA (5.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 267 |
| 1890-1900 | 282 |
| 1900-1910 | 357 |
| 1910-1920 | 1,322 |
| 1920-1930 | 3,210 |
| 1930-1940 | 2,906 |
| 1940-1950 | 2,566 |
| 1950-1960 | 2,543 |
| 1960-1970 | 3,016 |
| 1970-1980 | 2,830 |
| 1980-1990 | 2,606 |
| 1990-2000 | 668 |
| 2000-2010 | 430 |
| 2010-2019 | 454 |
| 2020-2029 | 425 |
Famous people named James
- James King: Actress, Model
Nicknames
Jamie, Jay
Fun facts
- James comes from the Late Latin name Iacobus, which evolved from the Hebrew name Jacob.
- While traditionally male, James gained fresh popularity as a feminine middle and first name in the 2010s.