Emmet vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Emmet

Boy #1,596 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"universal, whole"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

American English Irish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,596
Total SSA Count
108
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Em

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

Emmet Rank #1,596
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1596 for Emmet.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Emmet ___

  • Emmet James
  • Emmet Lee
  • Emmet Cole
  • Emmet Reed
  • Emmet Blake
  • Emmet Owen

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 Emmet

Ruby Hazel Oscar Nora Silas

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 Emmet or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Emmet at #1596 in the United States.

What do Emmet and James mean?

Emmet means "universal, whole" (Germanic origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Emmet and James boy or girl names?

Emmet is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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