James vs Phillip

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
Phillip Rank #627

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #627 for Phillip.

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

Phillip ___

  • Phillip James
  • Phillip John
  • Phillip Thomas
  • Phillip Michael
  • Phillip Andrew

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Phillip

William Elizabeth Catherine Andrew Margaret

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 Phillip more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Phillip at #627 in the United States.

What do James and Phillip mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Phillip means "lover of horses" (Greek origin).

Are James and Phillip boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Phillip is primarily a boy name.

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