James vs May

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 →

May

Girl #1,351 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"goddess of spring, month of May"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

English American French German

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,351
Total SSA Count
168
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for May →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
May Rank #1,351

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1351 for May.

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

May ___

  • May Rose
  • May Eleanor
  • May Josephine
  • May Beatrice
  • May Louise
  • May Frances

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose May

June Pearl Iris Theodore August

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 May more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to May at #1351 in the United States.

What do James and May mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). May means "goddess of spring, month of May" (Latin origin).

Are James and May boy or girl names?

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

More Comparisons

May vs James James vs Adrian James vs Arthur James vs Connor James vs Owen
← Full profile: James ← Full profile: May Browse all baby names