James vs Meryl

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 →

Meryl

Girl #5,487 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"bright sea, shining pool"

Origin: Celtic/Welsh

Cultural Roots

Welsh English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#5,487
Total SSA Count
23
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Mer

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Meryl →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Meryl Rank #5,487

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #5487 for Meryl.

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

Meryl ___

  • Meryl Anne
  • Meryl Louise
  • Meryl Grace
  • Meryl Jane
  • Meryl Claire
  • Meryl Elizabeth

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Meryl

Celia Hazel Gwen Sylvia Audrey

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 Meryl more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Meryl at #5487 in the United States.

What do James and Meryl mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Meryl means "bright sea, shining pool" (Celtic/Welsh origin).

Are James and Meryl boy or girl names?

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

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