James vs Spencer

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 →

Spencer

Boy #388 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"dispenser of provisions, household steward"

Origin: Old French

Cultural Roots

English American Canadian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#388
Total SSA Count
840
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Spence

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Spencer →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Spencer Rank #388

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #388 for Spencer.

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

Spencer ___

  • Spencer James
  • Spencer William
  • Spencer Thomas
  • Spencer Alexander
  • Spencer Cole
  • Spencer Lee

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Spencer

Parker Quinn Blake Harper Avery

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 Spencer more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Spencer at #388 in the United States.

What do James and Spencer mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Spencer means "dispenser of provisions, household steward" (Old French origin).

Are James and Spencer boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Spencer is primarily a boy name.

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