Clive vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Clive

Boy #2,057 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"one who lives near a steep bank"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

English British American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,057
Total SSA Count
73
Syllables
1
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Cli, Cly, Clie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Clive →

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

Clive Rank #2,057
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2057 for Clive.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Clive ___

  • Clive Edward
  • Clive Henry
  • Clive Thomas
  • Clive James
  • Clive William
  • Clive Owen

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 Clive

Nigel Rupert Phoebe Harriet Miles

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 Clive or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Clive at #2057 in the United States.

What do Clive and James mean?

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

Are Clive and James boy or girl names?

Clive is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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