James vs Kennedi

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 →

Kennedi

Girl #685 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"ugly-headed (original Gaelic)"

Origin: Irish Gaelic

Cultural Roots

American Irish Scottish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#685
Total SSA Count
414
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Ken, Kenn, Kenna

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Kennedi →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Kennedi Rank #685

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #685 for Kennedi.

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

Kennedi ___

  • Kennedi Grace
  • Kennedi Rose
  • Kennedi Mae
  • Kennedi Ann
  • Kennedi Claire
  • Kennedi Leigh

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Kennedi

Reagan Peyton Quinn Riley Harper

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 Kennedi more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Kennedi at #685 in the United States.

What do James and Kennedi mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Kennedi means "ugly-headed (original Gaelic)" (Irish Gaelic origin).

Are James and Kennedi boy or girl names?

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

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