James vs Martin

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 →

Martin

Boy #308 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Cultural Roots

English French German Spanish Scandinavian Slavic

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#308
Total SSA Count
1,101
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Marty, Mart, Marto

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Martin →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Martin Rank #308

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #308 for Martin.

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

Martin ___

  • Martin Martin James
  • Martin Martin Alexander
  • Martin Martin Thomas
  • Martin Martin Cole
  • Martin Martin Elliot

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Martin

Henry Charles Eleanor Margaret Thomas

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 Martin more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Martin at #308 in the United States.

What do James and Martin mean?

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

Are James and Martin boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Martin is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

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