James vs Keith

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 →

Keith

Boy #758 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"wood, forest"

Origin: Celtic

Cultural Roots

Scottish English American Australian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#758
Total SSA Count
336
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Kei, Key, Keie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Keith →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Keith Rank #758

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #758 for Keith.

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

Keith ___

  • Keith Allen
  • Keith Wayne
  • Keith Michael
  • Keith Alan
  • Keith Douglas
  • Keith Gordon

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Keith

Brian Gary Linda Patricia Dennis

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 Keith more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Keith at #758 in the United States.

What do James and Keith mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Keith means "wood, forest" (Celtic origin).

Are James and Keith boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Keith is primarily a boy name.

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