James vs Madeline

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 →

Madeline

Girl #87 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"woman from Magdala"

Origin: Hebrew (Magdalene via French Madeleine)

Cultural Roots

English French American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#87
Total SSA Count
2,907
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Maddie, Maddi, Maddie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Madeline →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Madeline Rank #87

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #87 for Madeline.

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

Madeline ___

  • Madeline Rose
  • Madeline Grace
  • Madeline Claire
  • Madeline Elise
  • Madeline Jane
  • Madeline Louise

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Madeline

Charlotte Eleanor Josephine Henry Oliver

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 Madeline more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Madeline at #87 in the United States.

What do James and Madeline mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Madeline means "woman from Magdala" (Hebrew (Magdalene via French Madeleine) origin).

Are James and Madeline boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Madeline is primarily a girl name.

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