Anna vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Anna

Girl #94 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"grace, favor"

Origin: Hebrew (Hannah)

Cultural Roots

English German Scandinavian Russian Italian Spanish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#94
Total SSA Count
2,700
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Annie, Ann, Nan

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Anna →

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

Anna Rank #94
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #94 for Anna.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Anna ___

  • Anna Grace
  • Anna Marie
  • Anna Louise
  • Anna Elizabeth
  • Anna Rose
  • Anna 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 Anna

Elsa Emma Charlotte Sophia James

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 Anna or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Anna at #94 in the United States.

What do Anna and James mean?

Anna means "grace, favor" (Hebrew (Hannah) origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Anna and James boy or girl names?

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

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