Elmer vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Elmer

Boy #1,169 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"noble and famous"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,169
Total SSA Count
178
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
El

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Elmer →

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

Elmer Rank #1,169
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1169 for Elmer.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Elmer ___

  • Elmer Lee
  • Elmer Wayne
  • Elmer Ray
  • Elmer Dale
  • Elmer Gene
  • Elmer Dean

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 Elmer

Harold Walter Dorothy Mildred Clifford

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 Elmer or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Elmer at #1169 in the United States.

What do Elmer and James mean?

Elmer means "noble and famous" (Old English origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Elmer and James boy or girl names?

Elmer is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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