James vs Kirby

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 →

Kirby

Girl #2,537 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"church settlement, village with a church"

Origin: Old Norse kirkja + byr

Cultural Roots

English American Scandinavian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,537
Total SSA Count
70
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Kirb

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Kirby →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Kirby Rank #2,537

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2537 for Kirby.

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

Kirby ___

  • Kirby Ann
  • Kirby Jane
  • Kirby Rose
  • Kirby Marie
  • Kirby Lee
  • Kirby Grace

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Kirby

Lyle Shelby Whitney Darby Crosby

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 Kirby more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Kirby at #2537 in the United States.

What do James and Kirby mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Kirby means "church settlement, village with a church" (Old Norse kirkja + byr origin).

Are James and Kirby boy or girl names?

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

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