Fred vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Fred

Boy #1,686 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"peaceful ruler"

Origin: Old High German

Cultural Roots

English German American Scandinavian French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,686
Total SSA Count
99
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Freddy, Freddie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Fred →

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

Fred Rank #1,686
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1686 for Fred.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Fred ___

  • Fred James
  • Fred William
  • Fred George
  • Fred Arthur
  • Fred Henry
  • Fred Thomas

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 Fred

George Arthur Mabel Harriet Edith

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 Fred or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Fred at #1686 in the United States.

What do Fred and James mean?

Fred means "peaceful ruler" (Old High German origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Fred and James boy or girl names?

Fred is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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