Abigail vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Abigail

Girl #32 Most Popular 4 Syllables

Meaning

"father's joy"

Origin: Hebrew Avigayil from avi and gil

Cultural Roots

Hebrew English American Irish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#32
Total SSA Count
5,499
Syllables
4
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Abby, Abbie, Gail

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Abigail →

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
Nicknames
Jim, Jimmy, Jamie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for James →

Popularity Comparison

Abigail Rank #32
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #32 for Abigail.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Abigail ___

  • Abigail Grace
  • Abigail Rose
  • Abigail Jane
  • Abigail Mae
  • Abigail Elizabeth
  • Abigail Kate

James ___

  • James Alexander
  • James William
  • James Thomas
  • James Edward
  • James Henry
  • James Patrick

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Abigail

Hannah Samuel Benjamin Naomi Caleb

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Abigail or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Abigail at #32 in the United States.

What do Abigail and James mean?

Abigail means "father's joy" (Hebrew Avigayil from avi and gil origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Abigail and James boy or girl names?

Abigail is primarily a girl name. James is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: Abigail ← Full profile: James Browse all baby names