James vs Roy

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 →

Roy

Boy #542 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"red (hair color)"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Cultural Roots

Scottish English American Dutch

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#542
Total SSA Count
552
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Roy →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Roy Rank #542

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #542 for Roy.

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

Roy ___

  • Roy Alan
  • Roy Lee
  • Roy James
  • Roy Thomas
  • Roy Edward
  • Roy David

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Roy

Ray Dale Joyce Gene Shirley

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 Roy more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Roy at #542 in the United States.

What do James and Roy mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Roy means "red (hair color)" (Scottish Gaelic origin).

Are James and Roy boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Roy is primarily a boy name.

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