Fay vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Fay

Girl #3,384 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"fairy, magical being"

Origin: Old French

Cultural Roots

English French American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#3,384
Total SSA Count
46
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Faye

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

Fay Rank #3,384
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #3384 for Fay.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Fay ___

  • Fay Elizabeth
  • Fay Louise
  • Fay Catherine
  • Fay Victoria
  • Fay Adelaide

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 Fay

Pearl June Wren Clive Rupert

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 Fay or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Fay at #3384 in the United States.

What do Fay and James mean?

Fay means "fairy, magical being" (Old French origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Fay and James boy or girl names?

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

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