Barrett vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Barrett

Boy #186 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"bear strength, brave as a bear"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English American Germanic

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#186
Total SSA Count
1,984
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Barry, Bear, Rhett

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Barrett →

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

Barrett Rank #186
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #186 for Barrett.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Barrett ___

  • Barrett James
  • Barrett Lee
  • Barrett Cole
  • Barrett Scott
  • Barrett Reid
  • Barrett Gray

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 Barrett

Everett Sloane Piper Colton Greer

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 Barrett or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Barrett at #186 in the United States.

What do Barrett and James mean?

Barrett means "bear strength, brave as a bear" (Germanic origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Barrett and James boy or girl names?

Barrett is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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