James vs Rae

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 →

Rae

Girl #1,260 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"ewe, female sheep"

Origin: Hebrew (via Rachel)

Cultural Roots

English American Jewish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,260
Total SSA Count
184
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Rae →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Rae Rank #1,260

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1260 for Rae.

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

Rae ___

  • Rae Ellen
  • Rae Marie
  • Rae Louise
  • Rae Elizabeth
  • Rae Ann
  • Rae Christine

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Rae

Leo June Mae Beau Nora

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 Rae more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Rae at #1260 in the United States.

What do James and Rae mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Rae means "ewe, female sheep" (Hebrew (via Rachel) origin).

Are James and Rae boy or girl names?

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

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