Alfred vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Alfred

Boy #839 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"wise counselor"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

English Scandinavian German French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#839
Total SSA Count
293
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Alf, Fred, Freddie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Alfred →

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

Alfred Rank #839
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #839 for Alfred.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Alfred ___

  • Alfred James
  • Alfred Edward
  • Alfred William
  • Alfred Thomas
  • Alfred George
  • Alfred Henry

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 Alfred

Eleanor Beatrice Henry Edmund Cecily

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 Alfred or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Alfred at #839 in the United States.

What do Alfred and James mean?

Alfred means "wise counselor" (Old English origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Alfred and James boy or girl names?

Alfred is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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