Barnes vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Barnes

Boy #7,718 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"near the barns, barn keeper"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#7,718
Total SSA Count
11
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Barney

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Barnes →

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

Barnes Rank #7,718
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #7718 for Barnes.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Barnes ___

  • Barnes Cole
  • Barnes Reid
  • Barnes James
  • Barnes Henry
  • Barnes Oliver
  • Barnes Rhett

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 Barnes

Fletcher Cooper Brooks Sloane Hadley

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 Barnes or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Barnes at #7718 in the United States.

What do Barnes and James mean?

Barnes means "near the barns, barn keeper" (Old English origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Barnes and James boy or girl names?

Barnes is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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