Greta vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Greta

Girl #856 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"pearl"

Origin: Germanic, from Greek margarites

Cultural Roots

German Scandinavian Swedish English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#856
Total SSA Count
314
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Grete, Greti

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Greta →

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

Greta Rank #856
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #856 for Greta.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Greta ___

  • Greta Rose
  • Greta Louise
  • Greta Marie
  • Greta Elizabeth
  • Greta Jane
  • Greta Ann

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 Greta

Ingrid Astrid Klaus Henrik Matilda

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 Greta or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Greta at #856 in the United States.

What do Greta and James mean?

Greta means "pearl" (Germanic, from Greek margarites origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Greta and James boy or girl names?

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

More Comparisons

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