Chance 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

Chance Rank #419
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #419 for Chance.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Chance ___

  • Chance Michael
  • Chance Edward
  • Chance Alexander
  • Chance William
  • Chance Thomas
  • Chance Robert

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 Chance

Chase Ace Blaze River Ember

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 Chance or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Chance at #419 in the United States.

What do Chance and James mean?

Chance means "good fortune, luck" (Old French origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Chance and James boy or girl names?

Chance is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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