James vs Susan

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 →

Susan

Girl #1,137 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"lily"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

English American Australian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,137
Total SSA Count
213
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Sue, Susie, Suze

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Susan →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Susan Rank #1,137

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1137 for Susan.

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

Susan ___

  • Susan Marie
  • Susan Elizabeth
  • Susan Claire
  • Susan Ann
  • Susan Louise
  • Susan Jane

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Susan

Barbara Linda Patricia Michael David

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 Susan more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Susan at #1137 in the United States.

What do James and Susan mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Susan means "lily" (Hebrew origin).

Are James and Susan boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Susan is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

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