James vs Raife

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 →

Raife

Boy #3,108 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"wolf counsel, wise advisor"

Origin: Old Norse

Cultural Roots

English British

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#3,108
Total SSA Count
39
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Rafe

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Raife →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Raife Rank #3,108

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #3108 for Raife.

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

Raife ___

  • Raife James
  • Raife Henry
  • Raife Edmund
  • Raife Callum
  • Raife Thomas
  • Raife George

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Raife

Caspian Alistair Tobias Imogen Araminta

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 Raife more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Raife at #3108 in the United States.

What do James and Raife mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Raife means "wolf counsel, wise advisor" (Old Norse origin).

Are James and Raife boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Raife is primarily a boy name.

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