James vs Josiah

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 →

Josiah

Boy #53 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"the Lord heals"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

Hebrew English African American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#53
Total SSA Count
5,457
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Jo, Joe, Siah

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Josiah →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Josiah Rank #53

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #53 for Josiah.

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

Josiah ___

  • Josiah Michael
  • Josiah James
  • Josiah David
  • Josiah Alexander
  • Josiah Edward
  • Josiah Thomas

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Josiah

Elijah Isaiah Miriam Hannah Ezra

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 Josiah more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Josiah at #53 in the United States.

What do James and Josiah mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Josiah means "the Lord heals" (Hebrew origin).

Are James and Josiah boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Josiah is primarily a boy name.

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