Carlton vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Carlton

Boy #2,842 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"settlement of free men"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

English American British

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,842
Total SSA Count
45
Syllables
2
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Carl, Carl

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Carlton →

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

Carlton Rank #2,842
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2842 for Carlton.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Carlton ___

  • Carlton James
  • Carlton Edward
  • Carlton Thomas
  • Carlton William
  • Carlton Alexander
  • Carlton Joseph

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 Carlton

Preston Reginald Clarence Victoria Adelaide

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 Carlton or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Carlton at #2842 in the United States.

What do Carlton and James mean?

Carlton means "settlement of free men" (Old English origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Carlton and James boy or girl names?

Carlton is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

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