Benjamin vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

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

Benjamin Rank #11
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #11 for Benjamin.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Benjamin ___

  • Benjamin James
  • Benjamin Alexander
  • Benjamin Thomas
  • Benjamin Oliver
  • Benjamin William
  • Benjamin Henry

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 Benjamin

Olivia Charlotte Emma Sophia Noah

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 Benjamin or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Benjamin at #11 in the United States.

What do Benjamin and James mean?

Benjamin means "son of the south" (Hebrew origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Benjamin and James boy or girl names?

Benjamin is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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