James vs Katharine

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

James Rank #5
Katharine Rank #4,801

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #4801 for Katharine.

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

Katharine ___

  • Katharine Rose
  • Katharine Anne
  • Katharine Jane
  • Katharine Grace
  • Katharine Elizabeth
  • Katharine Louise

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Katharine

Eleanor Margaret William Henry Charlotte

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 Katharine more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Katharine at #4801 in the United States.

What do James and Katharine mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Katharine means "pure, clean" (Greek 'katharos' origin).

Are James and Katharine boy or girl names?

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

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