James vs Marilyn

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 →

Marilyn

Girl #666 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"beloved, wished-for child (from Hebrew Miriam via Mary)"

Origin: Hebrew via Latin

Cultural Roots

American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#666
Total SSA Count
432
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Mari, Lyn, Lynn

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Marilyn →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Marilyn Rank #666

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #666 for Marilyn.

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

Marilyn ___

  • Marilyn Jane
  • Marilyn Rose
  • Marilyn Grace
  • Marilyn Ann
  • Marilyn Claire
  • Marilyn Sue

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Marilyn

Dorothy Patricia Beverly Richard James

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 Marilyn more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Marilyn at #666 in the United States.

What do James and Marilyn mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Marilyn means "beloved, wished-for child (from Hebrew Miriam via Mary)" (Hebrew via Latin origin).

Are James and Marilyn boy or girl names?

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

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