Irene vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Irene

Girl #638 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"peace"

Origin: Ancient Greek (eirene)

Cultural Roots

Greek English Spanish Italian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#638
Total SSA Count
461
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Renie, Rina

Playground Safety Score

15 High Risk

{:type=>:rhyme, :severity=>:medium, :message=>"'Irene' rhymes with 'mean'"}

Full profile for Irene →

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

Irene Rank #638
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #638 for Irene.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Irene ___

  • Irene Grace
  • Irene Mae
  • Irene Louise
  • Irene Claire
  • Irene Beth
  • Irene Rose

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 Irene

Theodore Agnes Walter Cora Ernest

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 Irene or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Irene at #638 in the United States.

What do Irene and James mean?

Irene means "peace" (Ancient Greek (eirene) origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Irene and James boy or girl names?

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

More Comparisons

James vs Irene Irene vs Rosalina Irene vs Marie Irene vs Nala Irene vs Alia
← Full profile: Irene ← Full profile: James Browse all baby names