James vs Precious

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 →

Precious

Girl #2,562 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"of great value, beloved, cherished"

Origin: Latin via Old French

Cultural Roots

African Nigerian African American American Ghanaian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,562
Total SSA Count
69
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Precia, P

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Precious →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Precious Rank #2,562

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2562 for Precious.

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

Precious ___

  • Precious Grace
  • Precious Joy
  • Precious Hope
  • Precious Faith
  • Precious Love
  • Precious Pearl

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Precious

Blessing Favour Destiny Gift Mercy

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 Precious more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Precious at #2562 in the United States.

What do James and Precious mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Precious means "of great value, beloved, cherished" (Latin via Old French origin).

Are James and Precious boy or girl names?

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

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← Full profile: James ← Full profile: Precious Browse all baby names