Hamilton vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Hamilton

Boy #2,653 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"flat-topped hill settlement"

Origin: Old English/Scottish

Cultural Roots

American Scottish English Canadian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,653
Total SSA Count
50
Syllables
3
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Ham, Hammy, Hami

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Hamilton →

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

Hamilton Rank #2,653
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2653 for Hamilton.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Hamilton ___

  • Hamilton James
  • Hamilton Alexander
  • Hamilton Lee
  • Hamilton Reed
  • Hamilton Gray
  • Hamilton 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 Hamilton

Jefferson Lincoln Monroe Eliza Madison

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 Hamilton or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Hamilton at #2653 in the United States.

What do Hamilton and James mean?

Hamilton means "flat-topped hill settlement" (Old English/Scottish origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Hamilton and James boy or girl names?

Hamilton is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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