James vs Sage

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 →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Sage Rank #145

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #145 for Sage.

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

Sage ___

  • Sage Olivia
  • Sage Aurora
  • Sage Elise
  • Sage Renee
  • Sage Willow
  • Sage Amara

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Sage

River Briar Juniper Oak Rowan

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 Sage more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Sage at #145 in the United States.

What do James and Sage mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Sage means "wise, the herb sage" (Latin Salvia origin).

Are James and Sage boy or girl names?

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

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