James vs Paul

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 →

Paul

Boy #264 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"small, humble"

Origin: Latin Paulus

Cultural Roots

Latin Christian English French German Spanish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#264
Total SSA Count
1,320
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Paul →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Paul Rank #264

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #264 for Paul.

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

Paul ___

  • Paul James
  • Paul Michael
  • Paul David
  • Paul Anthony
  • Paul Andrew
  • Paul Edward

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Paul

Peter John Mary Elizabeth Mark

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 Paul more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Paul at #264 in the United States.

What do James and Paul mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Paul means "small, humble" (Latin Paulus origin).

Are James and Paul boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Paul is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

Paul vs James James vs Evan James vs Mason James vs David James vs Dawson
← Full profile: James ← Full profile: Paul Browse all baby names