James vs Woodson

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 →

Woodson

Boy #2,738 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"forest dweller’s son"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,738
Total SSA Count
48
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Woody, Wood

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Woodson →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Woodson Rank #2,738

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2738 for Woodson.

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

Woodson ___

  • Woodson James
  • Woodson Lee
  • Woodson Grant
  • Woodson Reid
  • Woodson Hayes

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Woodson

Hudson Beckett Fletcher Willa Everly

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 Woodson more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Woodson at #2738 in the United States.

What do James and Woodson mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Woodson means "forest dweller’s son" (Old English origin).

Are James and Woodson boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Woodson is primarily a boy name.

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