James vs Kevin

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 →

Kevin

Boy #196 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"handsome at birth"

Origin: Irish Gaelic

Cultural Roots

English Irish American German French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#196
Total SSA Count
1,822
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Kev

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Kevin →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Kevin Rank #196

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #196 for Kevin.

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

Kevin ___

  • Kevin James
  • Kevin Michael
  • Kevin Patrick
  • Kevin Thomas
  • Kevin Daniel
  • Kevin Joseph

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Kevin

Brian Patrick Ryan Megan Erin

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 Kevin more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Kevin at #196 in the United States.

What do James and Kevin mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Kevin means "handsome at birth" (Irish Gaelic origin).

Are James and Kevin boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Kevin is primarily a boy name.

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