James vs King

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 →

King

Boy #343 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"king, ruler, monarch"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

American English African American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#343
Total SSA Count
1,001
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for King →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
King Rank #343

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #343 for King.

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

King ___

  • King James
  • King David
  • King Alexander
  • King Emmanuel
  • King Solomon
  • King Theodore

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose King

Major Duke Royal Prince Reign

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 King more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to King at #343 in the United States.

What do James and King mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). King means "king, ruler, monarch" (Old English origin).

Are James and King boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. King is primarily a boy name.

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