Avery vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Avery

Girl #31 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"ruler of elves"

Origin: Old English Aelfric via Norman French Aubery

Cultural Roots

English American French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#31
Total SSA Count
5,632
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Ave, Avie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Avery →

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

Avery Rank #31
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #31 for Avery.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Avery ___

  • Avery Grace
  • Avery Rose
  • Avery Mae
  • Avery Jane
  • Avery Kate
  • Avery Lynn

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 Avery

Parker Blake Logan Riley Harper

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 Avery or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Avery at #31 in the United States.

What do Avery and James mean?

Avery means "ruler of elves" (Old English Aelfric via Norman French Aubery origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Avery and James boy or girl names?

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

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