Darrell vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Darrell

Boy #1,470 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"from Airelle (a place in Normandy, France)"

Origin: Norman French

Cultural Roots

English American African American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,470
Total SSA Count
123
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Dar, Dell

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
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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

Darrell Rank #1,470
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1470 for Darrell.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Darrell ___

  • Darrell James
  • Darrell Lee
  • Darrell Wayne
  • Darrell Keith
  • Darrell Eugene

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 Darrell

Duane Kevin Renee Denise Darnell

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 Darrell or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Darrell at #1470 in the United States.

What do Darrell and James mean?

Darrell means "from Airelle (a place in Normandy, France)" (Norman French origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Darrell and James boy or girl names?

Darrell is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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