James vs Kelby

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
Kelby Rank #6,339

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #6339 for Kelby.

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

Kelby ___

  • Kelby James
  • Kelby Thomas
  • Kelby Reid
  • Kelby Grant
  • Kelby Owen
  • Kelby Scott

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Kelby

Colby Finley Brody Hadley Sloane

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 Kelby more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Kelby at #6339 in the United States.

What do James and Kelby mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Kelby means "Settlement near the well" (Old Norse origin).

Are James and Kelby boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Kelby is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

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