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Jonathan vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

James

Boy #5 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"supplanter, one who follows at the heel"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

English Scottish Biblical

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#5
Total SSA Count
11,793
Syllables
1
Formality
Formal

Playground Safety Score

All Clear

Similar Names

Popularity Comparison

Jonathan Rank #83
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #83 for Jonathan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jonathan or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Jonathan at #83 in the United States.

What do Jonathan and James mean?

Jonathan means "God has given" (Hebrew (Yehonatan) origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Jonathan and James boy or girl names?

Jonathan is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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