James vs Odessa

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 →

Odessa

Girl #1,586 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"city of Odysseus"

Origin: Greek

Cultural Roots

American English Eastern European

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,586
Total SSA Count
133
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Dessie, Desi, Odie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Odessa →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Odessa Rank #1,586

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1586 for Odessa.

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

Odessa ___

  • Odessa Rose
  • Odessa Grace
  • Odessa Mae
  • Odessa Claire
  • Odessa June
  • Odessa Elise

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Odessa

Penelope Calliope Cassius Leander Persephone

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 Odessa more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Odessa at #1586 in the United States.

What do James and Odessa mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Odessa means "city of Odysseus" (Greek origin).

Are James and Odessa boy or girl names?

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

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