Connor vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Connor

Boy #136 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"lover of hounds"

Origin: Irish Gaelic

Cultural Roots

Irish Scottish English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#136
Total SSA Count
2,606
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Con, Connie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Connor →

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

Connor Rank #136
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #136 for Connor.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Connor ___

  • Connor James
  • Connor Patrick
  • Connor Michael
  • Connor Ryan
  • Connor Thomas
  • Connor Sean

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 Connor

Finn Liam Declan Siobhan Aoife

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 Connor or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Connor at #136 in the United States.

What do Connor and James mean?

Connor means "lover of hounds" (Irish Gaelic origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Connor and James boy or girl names?

Connor is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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