James vs Rey

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 →

Rey

Boy #823 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"king"

Origin: Spanish

Cultural Roots

Spanish Latin American American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#823
Total SSA Count
303
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Rey →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Rey Rank #823

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #823 for Rey.

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

Rey ___

  • Rey Alexander
  • Rey Miguel
  • Rey Antonio
  • Rey James
  • Rey Cruz
  • Rey Luis

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Rey

Luna Sol Diego Valentina Marco

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 Rey more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Rey at #823 in the United States.

What do James and Rey mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Rey means "king" (Spanish origin).

Are James and Rey boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Rey is primarily a boy name.

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