James vs Reese

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 →

Reese

Girl #190 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"ardor, enthusiasm, fire"

Origin: Welsh

Cultural Roots

Welsh English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#190
Total SSA Count
1,589
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Ree, Rey, Reie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Reese →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Reese Rank #190

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #190 for Reese.

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

Reese ___

  • Reese Ann
  • Reese Marie
  • Reese Lynn
  • Reese Grace
  • Reese Elaine
  • Reese Joelle

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Reese

Blake Quinn Sage Brooke Cole

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 Reese more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Reese at #190 in the United States.

What do James and Reese mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Reese means "ardor, enthusiasm, fire" (Welsh origin).

Are James and Reese boy or girl names?

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

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