Cory vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Cory

Boy #1,097 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"from the hollow"

Origin: Irish Gaelic

Cultural Roots

American Irish English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,097
Total SSA Count
197
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Cory →

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

Cory Rank #1,097
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1097 for Cory.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Cory ___

  • Cory James
  • Cory Allen
  • Cory Michael
  • Cory Lee
  • Cory Wayne
  • Cory Scott

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 Cory

Tyler Ashley Brandon Brittany Kyle

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 Cory or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Cory at #1097 in the United States.

What do Cory and James mean?

Cory means "from the hollow" (Irish Gaelic origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Cory and James boy or girl names?

Cory is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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