James vs Marlowe

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
Marlowe Rank #624

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #624 for Marlowe.

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

Marlowe ___

  • Marlowe Jane
  • Marlowe Rose
  • Marlowe Grace
  • Marlowe Quinn
  • Marlowe Sage

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Marlowe

Beckett Sullivan Flynn Scout Harper

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 Marlowe more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Marlowe at #624 in the United States.

What do James and Marlowe mean?

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

Are James and Marlowe boy or girl names?

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

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