James vs Virgil

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 →

Virgil

Boy #1,544 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"staff bearer, wand wielder"

Origin: Latin (virga, staff/rod)

Cultural Roots

English American French Italian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,544
Total SSA Count
114
Syllables
2
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Virg, Gilly

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Virgil →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Virgil Rank #1,544

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1544 for Virgil.

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

Virgil ___

  • Virgil James
  • Virgil Scott
  • Virgil Lee
  • Virgil Allen
  • Virgil Augustus
  • Virgil Kent

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Virgil

Horace Augustus Beatrice Cornelius Lavinia

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 Virgil more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Virgil at #1544 in the United States.

What do James and Virgil mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Virgil means "staff bearer, wand wielder" (Latin (virga, staff/rod) origin).

Are James and Virgil boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Virgil is primarily a boy name.

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