James vs Jed

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 →

Jed

Boy #1,993 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"friend of Yahweh"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

English American Jewish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,993
Total SSA Count
78
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Jed →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Jed Rank #1,993

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1993 for Jed.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

James ___

  • James Alexander
  • James William
  • James Thomas
  • James Edward
  • James Henry
  • James Patrick

Jed ___

  • Jed William
  • Jed Thomas
  • Jed Henry
  • Jed Alexander
  • Jed Michael
  • Jed Carter

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Jed

Eli Sam Clara Ruth Amos

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 James or Jed more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Jed at #1993 in the United States.

What do James and Jed mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Jed means "friend of Yahweh" (Hebrew origin).

Are James and Jed boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Jed is primarily a boy name.

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