Ivy vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Ivy

Girl #36 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"ivy plant, climbing vine"

Origin: Old English ifig

Cultural Roots

English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#36
Total SSA Count
5,323
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Ives

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
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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

Ivy Rank #36
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #36 for Ivy.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Ivy ___

  • Ivy Rose
  • Ivy Mae
  • Ivy Grace
  • Ivy Jean
  • Ivy Claire
  • Ivy Louise

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 Ivy

Violet Hazel Jasper Willow Clover

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 Ivy or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Ivy at #36 in the United States.

What do Ivy and James mean?

Ivy means "ivy plant, climbing vine" (Old English ifig origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Ivy and James boy or girl names?

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

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