Cole vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Cole

Boy #162 Most Popular 1 Syllable

"coal, swarthy"

Origin: Old English

English American Australian

✓ All Clear

Boy #5 Most Popular 1 Syllable

"supplanter, one who follows at the heel"

Origin: Hebrew

English Scottish Biblical

✓ All Clear

Cole Rank #162

James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #162 for Cole.

Is Cole or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Cole at #162 in the United States.

What do Cole and James mean?

Cole means "coal, swarthy" (Old English origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Cole and James boy or girl names?

Cole is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.