Clair vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Clair

Girl #4,659 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"bright, clear, famous"

Origin: Latin (clarus)

Cultural Roots

French English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#4,659
Total SSA Count
30
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Cla, Cly, Clie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Clair →

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

Clair Rank #4,659
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #4659 for Clair.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Clair ___

  • Clair Marie
  • Clair Louise
  • Clair Anne
  • Clair Rose
  • Clair Elizabeth
  • Clair Jane

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 Clair

Drew Grace Blanche Hugh Elise

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 Clair or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Clair at #4659 in the United States.

What do Clair and James mean?

Clair means "bright, clear, famous" (Latin (clarus) origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Clair and James boy or girl names?

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

More Comparisons

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