James vs Woods

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
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Woods

Boy #1,762 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"from the forest, woodland dweller"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,762
Total SSA Count
94
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Woo, Woy, Woie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Woods →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Woods Rank #1,762

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1762 for Woods.

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

Woods ___

  • Woods River
  • Woods Stone
  • Woods James
  • Woods Alexander
  • Woods Bear
  • Woods Finn

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Woods

River Brooks Forest Wilder Sage

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 Woods more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Woods at #1762 in the United States.

What do James and Woods mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Woods means "from the forest, woodland dweller" (Old English origin).

Are James and Woods boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Woods is primarily a boy name.

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