James vs Lincoln

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 →

Lincoln

Boy #73 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"lake colony, settlement by the pool"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

American British Australian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#73
Total SSA Count
4,567
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Link, Linc

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Lincoln →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Lincoln Rank #73

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #73 for Lincoln.

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

Lincoln ___

  • Lincoln James
  • Lincoln Scott
  • Lincoln Reid
  • Lincoln Cole
  • Lincoln Thomas
  • Lincoln Blake

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Lincoln

Grant Monroe Kennedy Emerson Harrison

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 Lincoln more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Lincoln at #73 in the United States.

What do James and Lincoln mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Lincoln means "lake colony, settlement by the pool" (Old English origin).

Are James and Lincoln boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Lincoln is primarily a boy name.

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