James vs Knox

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 →

Knox

Boy #209 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"round hill"

Origin: Old English/Scottish

Cultural Roots

American Scottish English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#209
Total SSA Count
1,701
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Knox →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Knox Rank #209

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #209 for Knox.

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

Knox ___

  • Knox James
  • Knox Oliver
  • Knox William
  • Knox Henry
  • Knox Alexander
  • Knox Reid

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Knox

Ryder Lennox Jagger Saylor Piper

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 Knox more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Knox at #209 in the United States.

What do James and Knox mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Knox means "round hill" (Old English/Scottish origin).

Are James and Knox boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Knox is primarily a boy name.

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