James vs Megan

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
Megan Rank #761

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #761 for Megan.

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

Megan ___

  • Megan Rose
  • Megan Anne
  • Megan Lynn
  • Megan Marie
  • Megan Elizabeth
  • Megan Grace

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Megan

Ryan Kevin Shannon Bridget Connor

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 Megan more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Megan at #761 in the United States.

What do James and Megan mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Megan means "pearl" (Greek via Welsh origin).

Are James and Megan boy or girl names?

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

More Comparisons

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