James vs Promise

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 →

Promise

Girl #819 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"solemn commitment"

Origin: English

Cultural Roots

African American American Nigerian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#819
Total SSA Count
336
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Promi, Prom

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Promise →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Promise Rank #819

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #819 for Promise.

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

Promise ___

  • Promise Grace
  • Promise Joy
  • Promise Faith
  • Promise Hope
  • Promise Renee
  • Promise Marie

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Promise

Journey Genesis Destiny Miracle Blessing

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 Promise more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Promise at #819 in the United States.

What do James and Promise mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Promise means "solemn commitment" (English origin).

Are James and Promise boy or girl names?

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

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