James vs Reid

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 →

Reid

Boy #300 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"red-haired, ruddy complexion"

Origin: Old Scottish/Old English

Cultural Roots

Scottish Irish English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#300
Total SSA Count
1,118
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Reid →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Reid Rank #300

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #300 for Reid.

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

Reid ___

  • Reid James
  • Reid Thomas
  • Reid Alexander
  • Reid Owen
  • Reid William
  • Reid Joseph

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Reid

Knox Chase Wyatt Sloane Blair

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 Reid more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Reid at #300 in the United States.

What do James and Reid mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Reid means "red-haired, ruddy complexion" (Old Scottish/Old English origin).

Are James and Reid boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Reid is primarily a boy name.

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