James vs Smith

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 →

Smith

Boy #1,580 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"metalworker, blacksmith"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,580
Total SSA Count
109
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Smithy

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Smith →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Smith Rank #1,580

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1580 for Smith.

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

Smith ___

  • Smith James
  • Smith Cole
  • Smith Lee
  • Smith Reid
  • Smith Grant
  • Smith Blake

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Smith

Hunter Fletcher Cooper Tanner Parker

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 Smith more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Smith at #1580 in the United States.

What do James and Smith mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Smith means "metalworker, blacksmith" (Old English origin).

Are James and Smith boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Smith is primarily a boy name.

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