Dave vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Dave

Boy #2,019 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"uncle"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

English American European

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,019
Total SSA Count
76
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Davey, Davy

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Dave →

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

Dave Rank #2,019
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2019 for Dave.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Dave ___

  • Dave James
  • Dave Michael
  • Dave Thomas
  • Dave William
  • Dave Paul
  • Dave Allen

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 Dave

Mark Paul John Linda Carol

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 Dave or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Dave at #2019 in the United States.

What do Dave and James mean?

Dave means "uncle" (Hebrew origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Dave and James boy or girl names?

Dave is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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