James vs Macen

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 →

Macen

Boy #3,233 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"stoneworker, bricklayer"

Origin: Old French 'maçon'

Cultural Roots

American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#3,233
Total SSA Count
37
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Mac, Mace

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Macen →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Macen Rank #3,233

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #3233 for Macen.

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

Macen ___

  • Macen James
  • Macen Cole
  • Macen Lee
  • Macen Alexander
  • Macen William
  • Macen Grant

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Macen

Jaxon Bryson Addison Harper Paige

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 Macen more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Macen at #3233 in the United States.

What do James and Macen mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Macen means "stoneworker, bricklayer" (Old French 'maçon' origin).

Are James and Macen boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Macen is primarily a boy name.

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