Brent vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Brent

Boy #1,658 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"high place, hill top"

Origin: Celtic

Cultural Roots

English American Canadian Australian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,658
Total SSA Count
102
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Bre, Bry, Brie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Brent →

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

Brent Rank #1,658
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1658 for Brent.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Brent ___

  • Brent James
  • Brent Michael
  • Brent Lee
  • Brent Alan
  • Brent Scott
  • Brent Wayne

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 Brent

Brett Todd Chad Heather Tammy

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 Brent or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Brent at #1658 in the United States.

What do Brent and James mean?

Brent means "high place, hill top" (Celtic origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Brent and James boy or girl names?

Brent is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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