Kevin 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

Popularity Comparison

Kevin Rank #196
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #196 for Kevin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kevin or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Kevin at #196 in the United States.

What do Kevin and James mean?

Kevin means "handsome at birth" (Irish Gaelic origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Kevin and James boy or girl names?

Kevin is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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