James vs Paden

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 →

Paden

Boy #5,391 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"nobleman, patrician (via Patrick)"

Origin: Latin via Gaelic

Cultural Roots

Irish English Scottish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#5,391
Total SSA Count
18
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Pade

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Paden →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Paden Rank #5,391

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #5391 for Paden.

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

Paden ___

  • Paden James
  • Paden Patrick
  • Paden William
  • Paden John
  • Paden Michael
  • Paden Thomas

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Paden

Finnegan Cailin Declan Sienna Rowan

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 Paden more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Paden at #5391 in the United States.

What do James and Paden mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Paden means "nobleman, patrician (via Patrick)" (Latin via Gaelic origin).

Are James and Paden boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Paden is primarily a boy name.

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