James vs Shaul

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 →

Shaul

Boy #4,378 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"one who is inquired after"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

Jewish Israeli Biblical

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#4,378
Total SSA Count
24
Syllables
2
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Shay

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Shaul →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Shaul Rank #4,378

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #4378 for Shaul.

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

Shaul ___

  • Shaul David
  • Shaul Aaron
  • Shaul Benjamin
  • Shaul Elijah
  • Shaul Nathan
  • Shaul Joseph

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Shaul

Rivka Miriam Dovid Esther Yosef

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 Shaul more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Shaul at #4378 in the United States.

What do James and Shaul mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Shaul means "one who is inquired after" (Hebrew origin).

Are James and Shaul boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Shaul is primarily a boy name.

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