James vs Mara

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
Mara Rank #588

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #588 for Mara.

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

Mara ___

  • Mara Jane
  • Mara Grace
  • Mara Louise
  • Mara Elizabeth
  • Mara Rose
  • Mara Claire

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Mara

Nora Cora Lena Eli Simon

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 Mara more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Mara at #588 in the United States.

What do James and Mara mean?

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

Are James and Mara boy or girl names?

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

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