Dylan vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Dylan

Boy #28 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"son of the sea"

Origin: Welsh mythology

Cultural Roots

Welsh English American Irish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#28
Total SSA Count
7,464
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Dyl

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Dylan →

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

Dylan Rank #28
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #28 for Dylan.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Dylan ___

  • Dylan James
  • Dylan Thomas
  • Dylan Lee
  • Dylan Ryan
  • Dylan Paul
  • Dylan Michael

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 Dylan

Owen Rowan Nora Fiona Callum

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 Dylan or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Dylan at #28 in the United States.

What do Dylan and James mean?

Dylan means "son of the sea" (Welsh mythology origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Dylan and James boy or girl names?

Dylan is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

James vs Dylan Dylan vs Arlo Dylan vs Ian Dylan vs Abel Dylan vs Diego
← Full profile: Dylan ← Full profile: James Browse all baby names