James vs Saul

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 →

Saul

Boy #560 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"asked for, prayed for"

Origin: Hebrew Sha'ul (שָׁאוּל)

Cultural Roots

Jewish English Spanish Christian American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#560
Total SSA Count
529
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Sol

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Saul →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Saul Rank #560

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #560 for Saul.

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

Saul ___

  • Saul David
  • Saul Isaac
  • Saul Benjamin
  • Saul Eli
  • Saul James
  • Saul Aaron

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Saul

Ezra Eli Ruth Miriam Levi

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 Saul more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Saul at #560 in the United States.

What do James and Saul mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Saul means "asked for, prayed for" (Hebrew Sha'ul (שָׁאוּל) origin).

Are James and Saul boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Saul is primarily a boy name.

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