James vs Penelope

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 →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Penelope Rank #28

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #28 for Penelope.

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

Penelope ___

  • Penelope Rose
  • Penelope Jane
  • Penelope Claire
  • Penelope Grace
  • Penelope Anne
  • Penelope Joy

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Penelope

Theodore Athena Jasper Phoebe Sebastien

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 Penelope more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Penelope at #28 in the United States.

What do James and Penelope mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Penelope means "weaver, one who weaves" (Greek penelops origin).

Are James and Penelope boy or girl names?

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

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