James vs Rafe

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 →

Rafe

Boy #1,311 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"God has healed"

Origin: Hebrew via English

Cultural Roots

English British Jewish American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,311
Total SSA Count
148
Syllables
1
Formality
Formal

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Rafe →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Rafe Rank #1,311

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1311 for Rafe.

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

Rafe ___

  • Rafe Edward
  • Rafe Henry
  • Rafe James
  • Rafe William
  • Rafe Oliver
  • Rafe George

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Rafe

Hugo Otto Felix Cecily Imogen

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 Rafe more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Rafe at #1311 in the United States.

What do James and Rafe mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Rafe means "God has healed" (Hebrew via English origin).

Are James and Rafe boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Rafe is primarily a boy name.

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