Brody vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Brody

Boy #224 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"muddy place, ditch"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Cultural Roots

Scottish Irish English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#224
Total SSA Count
1,608
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Bro, Bry, Brie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Brody →

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

Brody Rank #224
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #224 for Brody.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Brody ___

  • Brody James
  • Brody Michael
  • Brody Lee
  • Brody Alan
  • Brody Scott
  • Brody 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 Brody

Cody Riley Tyler Mason Kylie

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 Brody or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Brody at #224 in the United States.

What do Brody and James mean?

Brody means "muddy place, ditch" (Scottish Gaelic origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Brody and James boy or girl names?

Brody is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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