Garrett vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Garrett

Boy #563 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"spear strength, brave with the spear"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English Irish American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#563
Total SSA Count
527
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Gary, Gar

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

Garrett Rank #563
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #563 for Garrett.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Garrett ___

  • Garrett James
  • Garrett Lee
  • Garrett Thomas
  • Garrett Allen
  • Garrett Wade
  • Garrett Cole

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 Garrett

Riley Connor Paige Trevor Haley

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 Garrett or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Garrett at #563 in the United States.

What do Garrett and James mean?

Garrett means "spear strength, brave with the spear" (Germanic origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Garrett and James boy or girl names?

Garrett is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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