James vs Rooney

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 →

Rooney

Girl #1,974 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"descendant of the champion, hero"

Origin: Irish Gaelic

Cultural Roots

Irish American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,974
Total SSA Count
100
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Roo, Rone

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Rooney →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Rooney Rank #1,974

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1974 for Rooney.

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

Rooney ___

  • Rooney Mae
  • Rooney Kate
  • Rooney Claire
  • Rooney Jane
  • Rooney Sloane
  • Rooney Blaise

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Rooney

Quinn Finley Sloane Shea Declan

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 Rooney more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Rooney at #1974 in the United States.

What do James and Rooney mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Rooney means "descendant of the champion, hero" (Irish Gaelic origin).

Are James and Rooney boy or girl names?

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

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