James vs Seth

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 →

Seth

Boy #559 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"appointed, placed by God"

Origin: Hebrew Shet (שֵׁת)

Cultural Roots

English American Biblical Egyptian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#559
Total SSA Count
530
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Seth →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Seth Rank #559

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #559 for Seth.

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

Seth ___

  • Seth James
  • Seth Aaron
  • Seth Benjamin
  • Seth Thomas
  • Seth Elias
  • Seth Cole

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Seth

Caleb Noah Abigail Miriam Eli

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 Seth more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Seth at #559 in the United States.

What do James and Seth mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Seth means "appointed, placed by God" (Hebrew Shet (שֵׁת) origin).

Are James and Seth boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Seth is primarily a boy name.

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