Brad 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

Brad Rank #4,135
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #4135 for Brad.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Brad ___

  • Brad James
  • Brad Allen
  • Brad Lee
  • Brad Thomas
  • Brad Scott
  • Brad Michael

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 Brad

Chad Todd Greg Tiffany Jennifer

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 Brad or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Brad at #4135 in the United States.

What do Brad and James mean?

Brad means "broad valley, wide clearing" (Old English brad origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Brad and James boy or girl names?

Brad is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

James vs Brad Brad vs Zyheir Brad vs Zarek Brad vs Jamier Brad vs Enmanuel
← Full profile: Brad ← Full profile: James Browse all baby names