Alma vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Alma

Girl #472 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"nourishing, kind"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

Latin Spanish English Hebrew

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#472
Total SSA Count
653
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Allie, Al

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Alma →

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

Alma Rank #472
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #472 for Alma.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Alma ___

  • Alma Rose
  • Alma Jean
  • Alma Mae
  • Alma Claire
  • Alma Louise
  • Alma Frances

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 Alma

Cora Vera Flora Hazel Nora

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 Alma or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Alma at #472 in the United States.

What do Alma and James mean?

Alma means "nourishing, kind" (Latin origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Alma and James boy or girl names?

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

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