James vs Obadiah

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 →

Obadiah

Boy #1,416 Most Popular 4 Syllables

Meaning

"servant of God"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

Jewish Christian Puritan American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,416
Total SSA Count
131
Syllables
4
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Obi, Obie, Oba

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Obadiah →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Obadiah Rank #1,416

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1416 for Obadiah.

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

Obadiah ___

  • Obadiah James
  • Obadiah John
  • Obadiah Samuel
  • Obadiah Thomas
  • Obadiah Elijah
  • Obadiah Ezra

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Obadiah

Ezekiel Zebediah Jehoshaphat Elijah Abigail

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 Obadiah more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Obadiah at #1416 in the United States.

What do James and Obadiah mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Obadiah means "servant of God" (Hebrew origin).

Are James and Obadiah boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Obadiah is primarily a boy name.

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