James vs Theo

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 →

Theo

Boy #80 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"gift of God"

Origin: Greek (theodoros)

Cultural Roots

English Greek French German American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#80
Total SSA Count
4,110
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Theo →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Theo Rank #80

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #80 for Theo.

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

Theo ___

  • Theo James
  • Theo William
  • Theo Alexander
  • Theo Samuel
  • Theo Felix
  • Theo August

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Theo

Oliver Felix Eleanor Beatrice Arthur

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 Theo more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Theo at #80 in the United States.

What do James and Theo mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Theo means "gift of God" (Greek (theodoros) origin).

Are James and Theo boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Theo is primarily a boy name.

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