James vs Obed

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 →

Obed

Boy #1,942 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"servant, worshipper of God"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

Hebrew English Spanish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,942
Total SSA Count
81
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Obed →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Obed Rank #1,942

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1942 for Obed.

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

Obed ___

  • Obed James
  • Obed Michael
  • Obed Samuel
  • Obed Elias
  • Obed David
  • Obed John

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Obed

Naomi Ruth Eli Ezra Miriam

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 Obed more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Obed at #1942 in the United States.

What do James and Obed mean?

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

Are James and Obed boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Obed is primarily a boy name.

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