Frederick vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Frederick

Boy #424 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"peaceful ruler"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English German Scandinavian French American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#424
Total SSA Count
741
Syllables
3
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Fred, Freddy, Rick

Playground Safety Score

8 High Risk

{:type=>:rhyme_pattern, :severity=>:low, :message=>"'Frederick' ending sounds like 'sick/thick/dick'"}

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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

Frederick Rank #424
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #424 for Frederick.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Frederick ___

  • Frederick James
  • Frederick William
  • Frederick Charles
  • Frederick John
  • Frederick Henry
  • Frederick Louis

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 Frederick

Eleanor Charlotte George Arthur Margaret

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 Frederick or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Frederick at #424 in the United States.

What do Frederick and James mean?

Frederick means "peaceful ruler" (Germanic origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Frederick and James boy or girl names?

Frederick is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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