James vs Lewis

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 →

Lewis

Boy #435 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"famous warrior"

Origin: Germanic via French

Cultural Roots

English Welsh French American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#435
Total SSA Count
728
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Lew, Louie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Lewis →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Lewis Rank #435

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #435 for Lewis.

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

Lewis ___

  • Lewis James
  • Lewis Arthur
  • Lewis Charles
  • Lewis Thomas
  • Lewis Henry
  • Lewis George

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Lewis

Albert Arthur Harriet Florence Edith

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 Lewis more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Lewis at #435 in the United States.

What do James and Lewis mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Lewis means "famous warrior" (Germanic via French origin).

Are James and Lewis boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Lewis is primarily a boy name.

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