Jake 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

Jake Rank #423
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #423 for Jake.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Jake ___

  • Jake Thomas
  • Jake Alexander
  • Jake Michael
  • Jake William
  • Jake Henry
  • Jake Robert

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 Jake

Jack Luke Max Emma Sophie

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 Jake or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Jake at #423 in the United States.

What do Jake and James mean?

Jake means "may God protect" (Hebrew origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Jake and James boy or girl names?

Jake is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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