James vs Willis

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 →

Willis

Boy #2,686 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"resolute protector"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English American African-American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,686
Total SSA Count
49
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Will, Willy

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Willis →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Willis Rank #2,686

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2686 for Willis.

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

Willis ___

  • Willis James
  • Willis Thomas
  • Willis Scott
  • Willis Dean
  • Willis Grant
  • Willis Hayes

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Willis

Earl Boyd Clarence Mavis June

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 Willis more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Willis at #2686 in the United States.

What do James and Willis mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Willis means "resolute protector" (Germanic origin).

Are James and Willis boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Willis is primarily a boy name.

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