Bradley vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Bradley

Boy #365 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"broad clearing in the woods"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

English American Australian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#365
Total SSA Count
906
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Brad

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Bradley →

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

Bradley Rank #365
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #365 for Bradley.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Bradley ___

  • Bradley James
  • Bradley Scott
  • Bradley Allen
  • Bradley Michael
  • Bradley Thomas
  • Bradley Lee

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 Bradley

Brandon Tyler Ashley Megan Derek

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 Bradley or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Bradley at #365 in the United States.

What do Bradley and James mean?

Bradley means "broad clearing in the woods" (Old English origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Bradley and James boy or girl names?

Bradley is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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