Arthur vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Arthur

Boy #105 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"bear, bear-like strength"

Origin: Brythonic Celtic

Cultural Roots

English French Welsh British

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#105
Total SSA Count
3,318
Syllables
2
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Art, Artie

Playground Safety Score

12 High Risk

{:type=>:nickname, :severity=>:medium, :message=>"'Arthur' can be twisted to 'fart'"}

Full profile for Arthur →

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

Arthur Rank #105
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #105 for Arthur.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Arthur ___

  • Arthur James
  • Arthur William
  • Arthur Henry
  • Arthur Frederick
  • Arthur George
  • Arthur Edmund

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 Arthur

Theodore Edmund Cecily Rosalind Frederick

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 Arthur or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Arthur at #105 in the United States.

What do Arthur and James mean?

Arthur means "bear, bear-like strength" (Brythonic Celtic origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Arthur and James boy or girl names?

Arthur is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

James vs Arthur Arthur vs Isaiah Arthur vs Bennett Arthur vs Avery Arthur vs Jeremiah
← Full profile: Arthur ← Full profile: James Browse all baby names