Bethany vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Bethany

Girl #728 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"house of dates (fruit)"

Origin: Aramaic

Cultural Roots

Hebrew Christian English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#728
Total SSA Count
386
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Beth, Bethy, Bethie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Bethany →

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

Bethany Rank #728
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #728 for Bethany.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Bethany ___

  • Bethany Grace
  • Bethany Anne
  • Bethany Joy
  • Bethany Hope
  • Bethany Elise
  • Bethany Renée

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 Bethany

Hannah Rachel Miriam Matthew Caleb

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 Bethany or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Bethany at #728 in the United States.

What do Bethany and James mean?

Bethany means "house of dates (fruit)" (Aramaic origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Bethany and James boy or girl names?

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

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