Downing vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Downing

Boy #19,284 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"from the hill settlement, dweller by the downs"

Origin: Old English dun meaning hill

Cultural Roots

American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#19,284
Total SSA Count
6
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Dow, Downie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Downing →

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

Downing Rank #19,284
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #19284 for Downing.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Downing ___

  • Downing James
  • Downing Reid
  • Downing Cole
  • Downing Thomas
  • Downing Scott

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 Downing

Harrison Fletcher Mercer Sutton Waverly

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 Downing or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Downing at #19284 in the United States.

What do Downing and James mean?

Downing means "from the hill settlement, dweller by the downs" (Old English dun meaning hill origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Downing and James boy or girl names?

Downing is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

James vs Downing Downing vs Merion Downing vs Haik Downing vs Leotha Downing vs Shaz
← Full profile: Downing ← Full profile: James Browse all baby names