Brook 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

Brook Rank #5,761
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #5761 for Brook.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Brook ___

  • Brook Lynn
  • Brook Marie
  • Brook Anne
  • Brook Elizabeth
  • Brook Grace
  • Brook Catherine

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 Brook

River Glen Dale Lake Wren

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 Brook or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Brook at #5761 in the United States.

What do Brook and James mean?

Brook means "one who lives near a brook" (Old English origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Brook and James boy or girl names?

Brook is primarily a girl name. James is primarily a boy name.

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