Ellen vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Ellen

Girl #1,032 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"sunlight, moon (alternate etymology)"

Origin: Ancient Greek

Cultural Roots

English American Scottish Irish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,032
Total SSA Count
244
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Ellie, Nell

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Ellen →

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

Ellen Rank #1,032
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1032 for Ellen.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Ellen ___

  • Ellen Grace
  • Ellen Marie
  • Ellen Louise
  • Ellen Ann
  • Ellen Jane
  • Ellen Claire

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 Ellen

Alice Clara Hugh Arthur Margaret

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 Ellen or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Ellen at #1032 in the United States.

What do Ellen and James mean?

Ellen means "sunlight, moon (alternate etymology)" (Ancient Greek origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Ellen and James boy or girl names?

Ellen is primarily a girl name. James is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: Ellen ← Full profile: James Browse all baby names