James vs Meredith

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 →

Meredith

Girl #490 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"great lord, magnificent ruler"

Origin: Welsh

Cultural Roots

Welsh English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#490
Total SSA Count
621
Syllables
3
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Meri, Merry, Mere

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Meredith →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Meredith Rank #490

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #490 for Meredith.

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

Meredith ___

  • Meredith Grace
  • Meredith Ann
  • Meredith Rose
  • Meredith Jane
  • Meredith Kate
  • Meredith Claire

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Meredith

Rhys Bronwen Gareth Seren Callum

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 Meredith more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Meredith at #490 in the United States.

What do James and Meredith mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Meredith means "great lord, magnificent ruler" (Welsh origin).

Are James and Meredith boy or girl names?

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

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