James vs William

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

James

Boy #5 Most Popular 1 Syllable

"supplanter, one who follows at the heel"

Origin: Hebrew

English Scottish Biblical

✓ All Clear

Boy #10 Most Popular 3 Syllables

"resolute protector, strong-willed guardian"

Origin: Germanic

English German French

✓ All Clear

James Rank #5

William Rank #10

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #10 for William.

Is James or William more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to William at #10 in the United States.

What do James and William mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). William means "resolute protector, strong-willed guardian" (Germanic origin).

Are James and William boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. William is primarily a boy name.