Cross vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Cross

Boy #2,439 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"crossroads, cross"

Origin: Old English/Norse

Cultural Roots

English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,439
Total SSA Count
56
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Cro, Cry, Crie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Cross →

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

Cross Rank #2,439
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2439 for Cross.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Cross ___

  • Cross James
  • Cross William
  • Cross Alexander
  • Cross David
  • Cross River
  • Cross Reed

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 Cross

Knox Stone Ridge Gauge Steel

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 Cross or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Cross at #2439 in the United States.

What do Cross and James mean?

Cross means "crossroads, cross" (Old English/Norse origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Cross and James boy or girl names?

Cross is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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