Emery vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Emery

Girl #70 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"industrious, brave"

Origin: Old Germanic

Cultural Roots

American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#70
Total SSA Count
3,197
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Em, Emmy

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Emery →

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

Emery Rank #70
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #70 for Emery.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Emery ___

  • Emery Grace
  • Emery Rose
  • Emery Claire
  • Emery June
  • Emery Kate
  • Emery Jade

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 Emery

Avery Hayden Parker Riley Quinn

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 Emery or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Emery at #70 in the United States.

What do Emery and James mean?

Emery means "industrious, brave" (Old Germanic origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Emery and James boy or girl names?

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

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