James vs Tim

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 →

Tim

Boy #2,523 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"honoring God"

Origin: Greek

Cultural Roots

English American European

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,523
Total SSA Count
54
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Timmy

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Tim →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Tim Rank #2,523

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2523 for Tim.

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

Tim ___

  • Tim James
  • Tim Robert
  • Tim Allen
  • Tim Lee
  • Tim Patrick
  • Tim John

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Tim

Tom Jennifer Karen Chris Susan

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 Tim more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Tim at #2523 in the United States.

What do James and Tim mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Tim means "honoring God" (Greek origin).

Are James and Tim boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Tim is primarily a boy name.

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