James vs Mills

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 →

Mills

Boy #2,920 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"dweller by the mills, mill worker"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

American English Australian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,920
Total SSA Count
43
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Mil, Miy, Miie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Mills →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Mills Rank #2,920

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2920 for Mills.

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

Mills ___

  • Mills James
  • Mills Harrison
  • Mills Bennett
  • Mills Cooper
  • Mills Edward
  • Mills Thomas

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Mills

Brooks Hayes Reed Palmer Nash

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 Mills more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Mills at #2920 in the United States.

What do James and Mills mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Mills means "dweller by the mills, mill worker" (Old English origin).

Are James and Mills boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Mills is primarily a boy name.

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