What is the meaning of the name James?

The name James is primarily a gender-neutral name of Hebrew origin that means Supplanter.

It comes from the Hebrew name "Yaakov." In the Old Testament, Jacob was one of the patriarchs of the Israelite people and the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, the name "Yaakov" was translated into various languages, and in English, it became James. The name James has been popular in many English-speaking countries since the Middle Ages.

There have been many notable people throughout history with the name James, including kings, saints, writers, and musicians. The name has remained popular over time due to its biblical roots and its classic sound. Common nicknames for the name James include Jim, Jimmy, Jamie, or Jame. Although James is originally a male name, it is recently being used for females, as well. 

Five famous people named James include:

James Baldwin - an American novelist, essayist, and social critic known for his works on racial and social issues.
James Brown - an American singer, songwriter, and dancer known as the "Godfather of Soul."
James Dean - an American actor known for his roles in movies such as "Rebel Without a Cause" and "Giant."
James Franco - an American actor, filmmaker, and writer known for his roles in movies such as "127 Hours" and "The Disaster Artist."
James Hetfield - the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the American heavy metal band Metallica.

Five fictional characters named James include:

James Bond - a fictional British spy created by Ian Fleming who has been featured in numerous novels and films.
James T. Kirk - the captain of the USS Enterprise in the Star Trek franchise.
James Potter - a character from the Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling, who was the father of the protagonist, Harry Potter.
James "Sawyer" Ford - a character from the TV show "Lost" who is known for his sarcastic wit and survival skills.
James "Logan" Howlett - a character from the X-Men comic book series and movies who is also known as Wolverine.

People who like the name James also like:

William, Benjamin, Henry, Liam, Alexander, Oliver, Jacob, Charlotte, Olivia, Elizabeth, Amelia, Lily, Emma, Grace

Names like James:

Jamese, Janice, Jengo, Jenis, Jennessa, Jens, Jumoke, Jonco, Jonas, Jennica, Janus, Junius, Jennis, Jenski, Jamaica, Janika, Jones, Janis, Jannik, Jung, Jiang, Janessa, Juancho, Jawanza, Johannes, Junko, Janneke, Jaymes, Jagienka, Jumeaux

Stats for the Name James

checkmark James is currently #24 on the Baby Names Popularity Charts
checkmark James is currently #4 in U.S. births

Songs about James

Click button to listen on iTunes

listen
Cool James - Harvey Danger
listen
Dear James - Women in Docs
listen
Frank and Jesse James - Warren Zevon
listen
If I'm James Dean, You're Audrey Hepburn - Sleeping with Sirens
listen
James - Billy Joel
 
James - Cluster
listen
James - Lloyd Cole & The Commotions
listen
James - The Bangles
listen
James - The Nields
listen
James and the Cold Gun - Kate Bush
listen
James Bondage - Pansy Division
listen
James Brown - The Blood Brothers
 
James Caan Make Yourself at Home - Grace Gale
listen
James Dean - Daniel Bedingfield
listen
James Dean - Eagles
listen
James K. Polk - They Might Be Giants
listen
Jesse James - Bruce Springsteen
listen
Jesse James traditional, recorded - Woody Guthrie and The Pogues
listen
Jimmy James - The Beastie Boys
listen
Just Like Jesse James - Cher
listen
Little James - Oasis
listen
Meanwhile, Rick James - Cake
listen
Meet James Ensor - They Might Be Giants
listen
Mr. James Dean - Hilary Duff
listen
New James Bond - Eddie From Ohio
listen
Not Now James, We're Busy - Pop Will Eat Itself
listen
Rick James - Jude
listen
Rick James Style - The Lemonheads
listen
Robert Ford & Jesse James - David Olney
listen
Sweet Baby James - James Taylor
listen
Tad Loves Kimberly James - Actionslacks