David vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

David

Boy #31 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"beloved, dear"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

Hebrew English Spanish French Scottish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#31
Total SSA Count
7,317
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Dave, Davie, Davo

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for David →

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

David Rank #31
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #31 for David.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

David ___

  • David James
  • David Michael
  • David Robert
  • David Thomas
  • David Andrew
  • David John

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 David

Jonathan Hannah Samuel Rachel Benjamin

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 David or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to David at #31 in the United States.

What do David and James mean?

David means "beloved, dear" (Hebrew origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are David and James boy or girl names?

David is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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