James vs Wiliam

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 →

Wiliam

Boy #6,634 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"resolute protector, determined guardian"

Origin: Old High German Willahelm

Cultural Roots

English American French German Irish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#6,634
Total SSA Count
13
Syllables
3
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Will, Willie, Bill

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Wiliam →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Wiliam Rank #6,634

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #6634 for Wiliam.

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

Wiliam ___

  • Wiliam James
  • Wiliam Thomas
  • Wiliam Henry
  • Wiliam Alexander
  • Wiliam Joseph
  • Wiliam Edward

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Wiliam

Henry George Charlotte Eleanor Catherine

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 Wiliam more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Wiliam at #6634 in the United States.

What do James and Wiliam mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Wiliam means "resolute protector, determined guardian" (Old High German Willahelm origin).

Are James and Wiliam boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Wiliam is primarily a boy name.

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