James vs Penn

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 →

Penn

Boy #2,952 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"hill, headland, enclosure"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

American English Welsh

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,952
Total SSA Count
42
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Penn →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Penn Rank #2,952

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2952 for Penn.

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

Penn ___

  • Penn James
  • Penn Oliver
  • Penn Alexander
  • Penn Harrison
  • Penn William
  • Penn August

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Penn

Wren Slate Wells Bram Ford

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 Penn more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Penn at #2952 in the United States.

What do James and Penn mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Penn means "hill, headland, enclosure" (Old English origin).

Are James and Penn boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Penn is primarily a boy name.

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