Des vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Des

Boy #19,117 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"from South Munster (southern Ireland)"

Origin: Irish

Cultural Roots

Irish English French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#19,117
Total SSA Count
6
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Des →

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

Des Rank #19,117
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #19117 for Des.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Des ___

  • Des William
  • Des James
  • Des Patrick
  • Des Michael
  • Des 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 Des

Wes Gus Finn Bram Cal

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 Des or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Des at #19117 in the United States.

What do Des and James mean?

Des means "from South Munster (southern Ireland)" (Irish origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Des and James boy or girl names?

Des is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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