Alexei vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Alexei

Boy #2,778 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"defender, helper of mankind"

Origin: Greek 'alexein'

Cultural Roots

Russian Ukrainian Bulgarian Slavic Orthodox Christian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,778
Total SSA Count
47
Syllables
3
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Alyosha, Alex, Lyosha

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
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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

Alexei Rank #2,778
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2778 for Alexei.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Alexei ___

  • Alexei Nikolai
  • Alexei Dmitri
  • Alexei Ivan
  • Alexei Sergei
  • Alexei Mikhail
  • Alexei Vladimir

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 Alexei

Natasha Dmitri Sonya Mikhail Katerina

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 Alexei or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Alexei at #2778 in the United States.

What do Alexei and James mean?

Alexei means "defender, helper of mankind" (Greek 'alexein' origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Alexei and James boy or girl names?

Alexei is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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