Alison 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
Nicknames
Jim, Jimmy, Jamie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for James →

Popularity Comparison

Alison Rank #465
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #465 for Alison.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Alison ___

  • Alison Grace
  • Alison Marie
  • Alison Jane
  • Alison Rose
  • Alison Kate
  • Alison Claire

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 Alison

Emily Lauren Claire Megan Dylan

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 Alison or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Alison at #465 in the United States.

What do Alison and James mean?

Alison means "noble type" (Old High German origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Alison and James boy or girl names?

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

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