James vs Lew

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 →

Lew

Boy #7,242 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"famous warrior (from Chlodwig/Louis)"

Origin: Old High German

Cultural Roots

English American Welsh Scottish Jewish-American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#7,242
Total SSA Count
12
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Lew →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Lew Rank #7,242

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #7242 for Lew.

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

Lew ___

  • Lew Harrison
  • Lew Archer
  • Lew Henry
  • Lew Whitmore
  • Lew Tanner

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Lew

Sal Ned Dot Vera Bess

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 Lew more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Lew at #7242 in the United States.

What do James and Lew mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Lew means "famous warrior (from Chlodwig/Louis)" (Old High German origin).

Are James and Lew boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Lew is primarily a boy name.

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