James vs Melissa

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 →

Melissa

Girl #377 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"honey bee"

Origin: Ancient Greek

Cultural Roots

English Greek American Italian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#377
Total SSA Count
825
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Mel, Lissy, Missy

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Melissa →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Melissa Rank #377

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #377 for Melissa.

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

Melissa ___

  • Melissa Ann
  • Melissa Marie
  • Melissa Grace
  • Melissa Joy
  • Melissa Kate
  • Melissa Renee

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Melissa

Jessica Jennifer Michelle Brian Kevin

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 Melissa more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Melissa at #377 in the United States.

What do James and Melissa mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Melissa means "honey bee" (Ancient Greek origin).

Are James and Melissa boy or girl names?

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

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