Darby vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Darby

Girl #3,183 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"deer park, settlement of deer"

Origin: Old Norse

Cultural Roots

Irish English American Australian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#3,183
Total SSA Count
50
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Dar

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Darby →

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

Darby Rank #3,183
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #3183 for Darby.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Darby ___

  • Darby Rose
  • Darby June
  • Darby Faith
  • Darby Claire
  • Darby Elise
  • Darby Grace

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 Darby

Finley Rory Sloane Beckett Briar

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 Darby or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Darby at #3183 in the United States.

What do Darby and James mean?

Darby means "deer park, settlement of deer" (Old Norse origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Darby and James boy or girl names?

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

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