James vs Mackay

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 →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Mackay Rank #11,686

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #11686 for Mackay.

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

Mackay ___

No pairings available yet.

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Mackay

No sibling data available yet.

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 Mackay more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Mackay at #11686 in the United States.

What do James and Mackay mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are James and Mackay boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Mackay is primarily a boy name.

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