James vs Keegan

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 →

Keegan

Boy #595 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"son of Egan, little fire"

Origin: Irish Gaelic (Mac Aodhagáin)

Cultural Roots

Irish American British

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#595
Total SSA Count
482
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Kee

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Keegan →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Keegan Rank #595

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #595 for Keegan.

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

Keegan ___

  • Keegan James
  • Keegan Patrick
  • Keegan Michael
  • Keegan Thomas
  • Keegan Liam
  • Keegan Ryan

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Keegan

Declan Connor Liam Maeve Siobhan

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 Keegan more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Keegan at #595 in the United States.

What do James and Keegan mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Keegan means "son of Egan, little fire" (Irish Gaelic (Mac Aodhagáin) origin).

Are James and Keegan boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Keegan is primarily a boy name.

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