Hugh vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Hugh

Boy #765 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"mind, intellect, spirit"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English Scottish Irish French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#765
Total SSA Count
332
Syllables
1
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Huey, Hughie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Hugh →

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

Hugh Rank #765
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #765 for Hugh.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Hugh ___

  • Hugh James
  • Hugh Alexander
  • Hugh William
  • Hugh Robert
  • Hugh George
  • Hugh Edward

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 Hugh

Edmund Miles Cecily Alice Rupert

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 Hugh or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Hugh at #765 in the United States.

What do Hugh and James mean?

Hugh means "mind, intellect, spirit" (Germanic origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Hugh and James boy or girl names?

Hugh is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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