James vs Joyce

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 →

Joyce

Girl #1,042 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"lord"

Origin: Breton via Old French

Cultural Roots

English Irish American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,042
Total SSA Count
240
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Joy

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Joyce →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Joyce Rank #1,042

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1042 for Joyce.

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

Joyce ___

  • Joyce Ann
  • Joyce Marie
  • Joyce Elizabeth
  • Joyce Louise
  • Joyce Carol
  • Joyce Ellen

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Joyce

Shirley Gloria Dorothy Raymond Donald

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 Joyce more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Joyce at #1042 in the United States.

What do James and Joyce mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Joyce means "lord" (Breton via Old French origin).

Are James and Joyce boy or girl names?

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

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