Emsley vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

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

Emsley Rank #3,313
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #3313 for Emsley.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Emsley ___

  • Emsley Grace
  • Emsley Rose
  • Emsley Jane
  • Emsley Claire
  • Emsley Mae
  • Emsley Faith

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 Emsley

Presley Ainsley Finley Harlow Wren

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 Emsley or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Emsley at #3313 in the United States.

What do Emsley and James mean?

Emsley means "elm tree clearing" (Old English origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Emsley and James boy or girl names?

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

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