James
Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings
Origin:English
How to pronounce the name James
Pronunciation guide for James
ARPA
JH EY1 M Z
IPA
ʤeɪmz
Pronunciation Breakdown
Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say James
Syllables (1)
JH EY1 M Z
Bold syllables indicate primary stress
Sound Breakdown
JH
gee (dʒ)EY1
ate (eɪ)M
me (m)Z
zee (z)International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
ʤeɪmz
Standard international representation
Pronunciation Tips
• This is a single-syllable name, pronounced in one smooth sound.
• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.
Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of James
Structure
Character Count
5
Syllable Count
1
Vowel Ratio
40%
Name Family
james
Usability
Pronunciation Difficulty4/10
Moderate difficulty
International Friendliness10/10
Works well across languages
DNA profile of the name James
Unique character and personality of the name James
Name Personality
The Global
Global
Adaptable
Modern
Key Characteristics
Length
Medium
Balanced and versatile
Rhythm
Monosyllabic
Simple and direct
Sound
Balanced
Mix of vowels and consonants
Ease
Moderate
May require practice
Global
Universal
Works across cultures
Heritage
james
Part of this name family
Letter Frequency
j×1
a×1
m×1
Most frequent letters in James
Visual Pattern
Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants
Name Statistics
📊
Syllables
1 syllable
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Easy
4/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison
How does James compare to the average name?
James4/10 😐
4.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0
James is easier than average by 1.0 points.
Difficulty Scale:
Very Easy (0–2)
Easy (2–4)← James
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨👩👧👦Name Family
Names related to James (root: james)
Current Name
James
Related Names (15)
Short variations:
Jame
Jamea
Jamee
Medium variations:
Jameah
Jameal
Jamear
Jameca
Jamecca
Jamece
Jamecia
Jameece
Jameek
Jameeka
Jameel
Jameela
James belongs to a family of 30 related names.Showing 15 most common variations.
What does the name James mean?
The meaning and origin of James
English form of Latin \Iacomus\, from Hebrew \Yaakov\ (Jacob) meaning supplanter or holder of the heel.
Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in James's meanings
Primary Theme
📖
Descriptive
Based on origin, place, or historical context
Theme Distribution
Descriptive
1
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for James
Life Path Number
3
The Creative
Creative spirits who bring joy and inspiration through self-expression.
Expressive
Social
Artistic
Joyful
Most Common Letters
j×1
a×1
m×1
e×1
s×1
Sound Composition
Vowels
2(40%)
Consonants
3(60%)
Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong
Numerology Breakdown
j1
a1
m4
e5
s1
Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.
Notable People Named James
Famous individuals named James
👤
James Tavernier
English association football player
Born: 1991
👤
James Coburn
American actor (1928–2002)
Born: 1928
👤
James Clerk Maxwell
Scottish physicist (1831–1879)
Born: 1831
👤
James Joyce
Irish novelist and poet (1882–1941)
Born: 1882
Where is James popular?
Countries where James ranks in the top baby names
How popular is the name James?
Popularity rankings and trends for James around the world
James Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for boys named James
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
James Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for girls named James
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Country Comparison
How James ranks across different countries
Showing top 8 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)
What words rhyme with the name James?
Rhyming words for James
acclaim's
acclaims
adames
aim's
aims
ames
ames'
blames
claims
crames
dame's
dames
disclaims
exclaims
flames
frames
game's
games
games'
grames
Frequently Asked Questions
How popular is James in Australia?
James is quite popular in Australia as of 2024, ranking at #21. It ranks in the top 50 boys' names.
How popular is James in Canada?
James is extremely popular in Canada as of 2018, ranking at #9. It's one of the top ten most popular boys' names in the country.
How popular is James in France?
James is somewhat popular in France as of 2018, ranking at #181. It ranks in the top 200 boys' names.
How popular is James in Ireland?
James is extremely popular in Ireland as of 2019, ranking at #2. It's one of the top three most popular boys' names in the country.
How popular is James in Netherlands?
James is extremely popular in Netherlands as of 2019, ranking at #8. It's one of the top ten most popular boys' names in the country.
How popular is James in New Zealand?
James is very popular in New Zealand as of 2024, ranking at #12. It ranks in the top 20 boys' names.
How popular is James in United Kingdom?
James is quite popular in United Kingdom as of 2024, ranking at #40. It ranks in the top 50 boys' names.
How popular is James in United States?
James is extremely popular in United States as of 2024, ranking at #5. It's one of the top ten most popular boys' names in the country.
How do you pronounce James?
IPA: /ʤeɪmz/ ARPA: JH EY1 M Z This name has a moderate pronunciation difficulty.
How many syllables are in James?
James has 1 syllable.
Is James easy to pronounce?
James is relatively easy to pronounce for most English speakers. It doesn't contain uncommon sound combinations.
Is James easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, James is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
Who are some famous people named James?
There are 100 notable people named James. This name has significant cultural presence and recognition.
What names are similar to James?
Names similar to James include: Jame, Jamea, Jameah, Jameal, Jamear. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is James a good baby name?
James is a good baby name, particularly if you value names that are internationally friendly.
Is James a boy or girl name?
James can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell James?
The name is spelled J-a-m-e-s. Common spelling variations include: Jame, Jamea, Jameah.
What are common nicknames for James?
Common nicknames for James include: Jam, Jamey, Jamie. Nicknames often develop naturally based on personal preference and family traditions.
What does the name James mean?
The name James means "English form of Latin \Iacomus\, from Hebrew \Yaakov\ (Jacob) meaning supplanter or holder of the heel." This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with James?
Middle names that pair well with James include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with James?
Sibling names that pair well with James include: Jame, Jamea, Jameah, Jameal. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce James?
Most teachers will be able to pronounce James correctly after hearing it once or twice. It's relatively phonetic and doesn't contain unusual sound combinations. You may need to provide pronunciation guidance at the start of each school year.
What culture is the name James from?
James has diverse cultural origins, with connections to Hebrew, Latin, English traditions. This multicultural heritage demonstrates how names transcend borders, being embraced by different societies and evolving across time. Each cultural influence adds depth and richness to the name's meaning and history.
Is James suitable for a professional career?
James is well-suited for professional contexts. It's internationally friendly for global careers and appropriate length for business cards and email addresses. Names that are easy to say, spell, and remember often have advantages in career settings, though ultimately competence matters far more than name choice.
Is James a long or short name?
James is a very short name with 5 letters (1 syllable). Short names are easy to spell, pronounce, and remember. They work well for children who are learning to write their names.
What are common misspellings of James?
Common spelling variations of James include: Jame, Jamea, Jameah. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between James and Jame?
James and Jame are related names that share similar origins or sounds. James is spelled James while Jame is spelled Jame. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.