Derrick vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Derrick

Boy #820 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"ruler of the people"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

American English Dutch

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#820
Total SSA Count
305
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Derry, Rick, Ricky

Playground Safety Score

8 High Risk

{:type=>:rhyme_pattern, :severity=>:low, :message=>"'Derrick' ending sounds like 'sick/thick/dick'"}

Full profile for Derrick →

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

Derrick Rank #820
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #820 for Derrick.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Derrick ___

  • Derrick James
  • Derrick Michael
  • Derrick Lee
  • Derrick Wayne
  • Derrick Allen
  • Derrick Thomas

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 Derrick

Brenda Tamara Jerome Desiree Marcus

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 Derrick or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Derrick at #820 in the United States.

What do Derrick and James mean?

Derrick means "ruler of the people" (Germanic origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Derrick and James boy or girl names?

Derrick is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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