Barret vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Barret

Boy #4,460 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"bear strength"

Origin: Old English / Old German

Cultural Roots

American English Irish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#4,460
Total SSA Count
23
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Barry, Bear

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
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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

Barret Rank #4,460
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #4460 for Barret.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Barret ___

  • Barret James
  • Barret Scott
  • Barret Cole
  • Barret Grant
  • Barret Lee
  • Barret Wayne

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 Barret

Fletcher Deacon Garrison Harlow 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 Barret or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Barret at #4460 in the United States.

What do Barret and James mean?

Barret means "bear strength" (Old English / Old German origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Barret and James boy or girl names?

Barret is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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