James vs Slate

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 →

Slate

Boy #3,330 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"fine-grained grey metamorphic rock"

Origin: Old French

Cultural Roots

English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#3,330
Total SSA Count
35
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Sla, Sly, Slie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Slate →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Slate Rank #3,330

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #3330 for Slate.

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

Slate ___

  • Slate James
  • Slate William
  • Slate Thomas
  • Slate Henry
  • Slate John
  • Slate Edward

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Slate

River Stone Flint Ash Onyx

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 Slate more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Slate at #3330 in the United States.

What do James and Slate mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Slate means "fine-grained grey metamorphic rock" (Old French origin).

Are James and Slate boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Slate is primarily a boy name.

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