Bailey vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Bailey

Girl #182 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"fortification wall"

Origin: Old French

Cultural Roots

English American Australian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#182
Total SSA Count
1,644
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Bay, Bail

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Bailey →

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

Bailey Rank #182
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #182 for Bailey.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Bailey ___

  • Bailey Mae
  • Bailey Jo
  • Bailey Rose
  • Bailey Grace
  • Bailey Anne
  • Bailey Jean

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 Bailey

Brooke Riley Chase Parker Avery

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 Bailey or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Bailey at #182 in the United States.

What do Bailey and James mean?

Bailey means "fortification wall" (Old French origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Bailey and James boy or girl names?

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

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