Holly vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

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

Holly Rank #419
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #419 for Holly.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Holly ___

  • Holly Mae
  • Holly Grace
  • Holly Jane
  • Holly Elizabeth
  • Holly Renee
  • Holly 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 Holly

Ivy Violet Rose Lily Oliver

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 Holly or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Holly at #419 in the United States.

What do Holly and James mean?

Holly means "holly tree" (Old English origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Holly and James boy or girl names?

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

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