Bill vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Bill

Boy #4,669 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"resolute protector"

Origin: Old High German Willahelm

Cultural Roots

English American Australian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#4,669
Total SSA Count
22
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Billy, Willy

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

Bill Rank #4,669
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #4669 for Bill.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Bill ___

  • Bill James
  • Bill Robert
  • Bill Thomas
  • Bill Henry
  • Bill Edward
  • Bill John

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 Bill

Bob Jack Tom Joe Betty

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 Bill or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Bill at #4669 in the United States.

What do Bill and James mean?

Bill means "resolute protector" (Old High German Willahelm origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Bill and James boy or girl names?

Bill is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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