Duke vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Duke

Boy #710 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"leader, military commander"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

American English Australian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#710
Total SSA Count
375
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
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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

Duke Rank #710
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #710 for Duke.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Duke ___

  • Duke James
  • Duke William
  • Duke Henry
  • Duke Thomas
  • Duke Lee
  • Duke 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 Duke

Earl Rex Beau Chase Baron

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 Duke or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Duke at #710 in the United States.

What do Duke and James mean?

Duke means "leader, military commander" (Latin origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Duke and James boy or girl names?

Duke is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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