James vs Mav

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 →

Mav

Boy #6,325 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"short form of Maverick, from Samuel Maverick's unbranded cattle"

Origin: American English

Cultural Roots

Modern American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#6,325
Total SSA Count
14
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Mav →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Mav Rank #6,325

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #6325 for Mav.

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

Mav ___

  • Mav James
  • Mav Cole
  • Mav River
  • Mav Stone
  • Mav Jack
  • Mav Reid

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Mav

Remy Jett Finn Wren Ace

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 Mav more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Mav at #6325 in the United States.

What do James and Mav mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Mav means "short form of Maverick, from Samuel Maverick's unbranded cattle" (American English origin).

Are James and Mav boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Mav is primarily a boy name.

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