James vs Jeff

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 →

Jeff

Boy #2,932 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"divine peace, God's peace"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English American French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,932
Total SSA Count
43
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Jeff →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Jeff Rank #2,932

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2932 for Jeff.

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

Jeff ___

  • Jeff Michael
  • Jeff James
  • Jeff Allen
  • Jeff Thomas
  • Jeff Scott
  • Jeff Aaron

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Jeff

Karen Linda Brian Sharon Kevin

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 Jeff more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Jeff at #2932 in the United States.

What do James and Jeff mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Jeff means "divine peace, God's peace" (Germanic origin).

Are James and Jeff boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Jeff is primarily a boy name.

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