Alistair 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

Alistair Rank #910
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #910 for Alistair.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Alistair ___

  • Alistair James
  • Alistair Hugh
  • Alistair Ross
  • Alistair Grant
  • Alistair Thomas
  • Alistair Stuart

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 Alistair

Hamish Rupert Angus Flora Catriona

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 Alistair or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Alistair at #910 in the United States.

What do Alistair and James mean?

Alistair means "defender of men" (Greek origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Alistair and James boy or girl names?

Alistair is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

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