James

The Meaning & Origin of the Name James

Gender Boy
Origin English
Letters 5
Syllables 1
Pronunciation Jeymz

James, which has 5 letters and 1 syllable, is a male name of English origin.

Meaning of James

Supplanter

The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows". It is also a popular name in many English-speaking countries.

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(2.8/5 from 147 votes)
Meaning Supplanter
Origin English
Gender Boy
Popularity (US) #5 in 2024 Steady
Rarity (US) Very Popular (Top 10)
Era Vintage (1940s)

Background & History of The Name James

James is a popular name that has its roots in Hebrew. It is derived from the Hebrew name Yaakov, which means "supplanter" or "one who replaces." The name James has a rich history and is widely used in many different cultures and languages. In the Bible, James was the name of two of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The first was James, the son of Zebedee, who was one of the disciples closest to Jesus and was present at significant events such as the Transfiguration and the Garden of Gethsemane. The second was James, the son of Alphaeus, who is often referred to as James the Less. They were both important figures in the early Christian community.

The name James has been popular throughout history, with many notable individuals carrying this name. King James I of England and VI of Scotland is one of the most prominent figures associated with the name. He was a patron of the arts and sciences and is best known for commissioning the King James Version of the Bible. This English translation of the Bible has had a significant impact on Christianity and English literature.

In addition to its biblical and historical significance, the name James has remained popular in modern times. It has a timeless appeal and has consistently been one of the most popular names for boys in English-speaking countries. Famous modern James' include James Bond, the fictional British spy created by Ian Fleming, and James Cameron, the renowned filmmaker behind blockbuster movies such as Titanic and Avatar.

Overall, the name James carries a sense of strength, history, and cultural significance. Its enduring popularity and widespread usage make it a classic and timeless choice for parents seeking a strong and traditional name for their child.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of James over the years.

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