Emrys vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Emrys

Boy #1,144 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"immortal, not mortal"

Origin: Greek via Welsh

Cultural Roots

Welsh Celtic British

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,144
Total SSA Count
184
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Em, Rys

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Emrys →

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

Emrys Rank #1,144
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1144 for Emrys.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Emrys ___

  • Emrys Rhys
  • Emrys Llewellyn
  • Emrys Arthur
  • Emrys Owen
  • Emrys Finn
  • Emrys Caden

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 Emrys

Rhys Gwyneth Taliesin Elspeth Seren

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 Emrys or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Emrys at #1144 in the United States.

What do Emrys and James mean?

Emrys means "immortal, not mortal" (Greek via Welsh origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Emrys and James boy or girl names?

Emrys is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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