James vs Memphis

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 →

Memphis

Boy #589 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"enduring and beautiful"

Origin: Ancient Egyptian (Men-nefer)

Cultural Roots

American Southern US Ancient Egyptian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#589
Total SSA Count
484
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Mem, Memp

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Memphis →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Memphis Rank #589

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #589 for Memphis.

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

Memphis ___

  • Memphis James
  • Memphis Lee
  • Memphis Ray
  • Memphis Cole
  • Memphis Blue
  • Memphis Jackson

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Memphis

Jackson Nash Savannah Tallulah Phoenix

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 Memphis more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Memphis at #589 in the United States.

What do James and Memphis mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Memphis means "enduring and beautiful" (Ancient Egyptian (Men-nefer) origin).

Are James and Memphis boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Memphis is primarily a boy name.

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