James vs Obama

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 →

Obama

Boy #5,727 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"curved riverbank or piece of land"

Origin: Luo

Cultural Roots

Kenyan Luo East African

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#5,727
Total SSA Count
16
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Oba, Oby, Obie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Obama →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Obama Rank #5,727

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #5727 for Obama.

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

Obama ___

  • Obama James
  • Obama Emmanuel
  • Obama Kwame
  • Obama Daniel
  • Obama Michael
  • Obama John

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Obama

Mandela Kenya Asha Kofi Zara

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 Obama more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Obama at #5727 in the United States.

What do James and Obama mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Obama means "curved riverbank or piece of land" (Luo origin).

Are James and Obama boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Obama is primarily a boy name.

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