James vs Parker

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 →

Parker

Boy #97 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"keeper of the game preserve"

Origin: Middle English

Cultural Roots

English American Australian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#97
Total SSA Count
3,605
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Park

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Parker →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Parker Rank #97

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #97 for Parker.

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

Parker ___

  • Parker James
  • Parker Lee
  • Parker William
  • Parker Thomas
  • Parker Alexander
  • Parker Scott

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Parker

Logan Cooper Carter Riley Quinn

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 Parker more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Parker at #97 in the United States.

What do James and Parker mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Parker means "keeper of the game preserve" (Middle English origin).

Are James and Parker boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Parker is primarily a boy name.

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