James vs Wilbur

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 →

Wilbur

Boy #2,964 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"resolute fortress, determined will"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,964
Total SSA Count
42
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Will, Wil, Bur

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Wilbur →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Wilbur Rank #2,964

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2964 for Wilbur.

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

Wilbur ___

  • Wilbur James
  • Wilbur Henry
  • Wilbur Lee
  • Wilbur Scott
  • Wilbur August
  • Wilbur Owen

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Wilbur

Harriet Maude Otto Mabel Cecil

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 Wilbur more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Wilbur at #2964 in the United States.

What do James and Wilbur mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Wilbur means "resolute fortress, determined will" (Old English origin).

Are James and Wilbur boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Wilbur is primarily a boy name.

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