Origin, Meaning, And History Of James
A variant of the much-adored boy name Jacob, James is a name of Hebrew origin. Like Jacob, it means ‘supplanter.’ James is the English version of the Latin name ‘Iacomus.’ Iacomus, which is a variation of the Biblical Latin term Iacobus, derived from the Hebrew name Ya’aqov.
James is a biblical name. In the Christian Bible’s New Testament, there are three James, among which two are apostles. The final -s in this first name are characteristic of the words taken from Old French. James also has Scottish roots and royal undercurrents. Prominent figures, such as King James VI, who took over the English throne in the 17th century, made this name a part of royal courts.
The name comes with a long list of variations. It is Giacomo in Italian, Iago in Welsh, and Jacques in French. Jakob is the German and Polish variation of the name, while Jaime is the Spanish form of the moniker. The name also has an Irish version, spelled as Séamas.
Some of the most notable name bearers of James in history include the English explorer Captain James Cook, the Scottish inventor James Watt, and the Irish poet James Joyce. There are and have been plenty of famous personalities with this name. However, James Brolin, James Brown, and James Cameron are the most well-known figures in the entertainment industry who may have contributed to the popularity of the name in the US. Acclaimed writers such as James Baldwin and James Patterson are other notable mentions.
Who can forget James Bond, the fictional British secret agent who has been featured in various films, stories, and novels for over seven decades? Similar is the case with the protagonist James in Roald Dahl’s hit book, James and the Giant Peach. This sweet masculine name is undoubtedly one with widespread appeal.
James
Boy
Christianity
Hebrew
3
Two
1 word, 5 letters, 2 vowels, 3 consonants
Short and easy to pronounce
How To Pronounce James?
The way you pronounce a name can make all the difference.
Listen to the sound of the name James in English.
Famous People With The Name James
- James Brown20th-century American musical artist, one of the first ten inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- James BuchananLawyer, diplomat, and the 15th President of the US
- James Marshall HendrixAmerican musician regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history
- James MonroeAmerican politician and the 5th President of the US
- James Earl JonesAmerican actor and voice artist known for his deep bass voice
- James TaylorAmerican singer and songwriter, six-time Grammy Award winner
- James CameronAcademy Award-winning Canadian filmmaker
- James Madison4th United States President, hailed as the ‘Father of the Constitution’
- King James I of EnglandThe namesake of King James in Bible
- James Dean20th-century American actor
James On The Popularity Chart
The popularity of the name James was at an all-time high in the 1980s. The chart below documents its popularity trends.
Popularity Over Time
The name’s popularity gradually declined From 1998 onward. Check out the graph below to understand its popularity over time.
Source: Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time As James
James was a popular boy name in the 1980s and 1990s. However, the usage of the name saw a sharp decline in the recent years.
Source: Social Security AdministrationNames With Similar Sound As James
James is an easy-to-pronounce name. If you want to find names that sound like James, take a look at the list below.
Popular Sibling Names For James
If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with James, check our suggestions here.
Boy Sibling Names For James
Find matching brother names for James and create a wonderful team of siblings.
JaimesJamese Jamesen Jamesie Jameson Jamesy Jamieson Jamis Jamison Jammas Girl Sibling Names For James
Looking for some suitable sister names for James? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.
GemmaGemmariah Jaimah Jama Jameah Jamee Jamielle Jamina Jamye Jaymie Other Popular Names Beginning With J
Looking for more baby names starting with the letter J to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.
Names With Similar Meaning As James
There are so many other baby names that mean the same as James. Find your pick from the ones listed below.
Infographic: Know The Name James‘s Personality As Per Numerology
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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How To Communicate The Name James In Other Languages
In Nautical Flags
james
In Sign Language
james
In Braille Alphabet
james
In Morse Code
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Name Numerology For James
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of the name James?
The name James means ‘supplanter.’
2. What is the origin of the name James?
James has a Hebrew origin.
3. How to pronounce the name James?
James is pronounced as ‘jaymz.’
4. Is there a Hebrew version of the name James?
The Hebrew versions of James, a derivative of the name Jacob, are Yaakov, Yakov, Akiba, and Akiva.
5. Is the name James a royal name?
James can be considered a royal name as it was borne by several kings and monarchs throughout history. For instance, James I of England was a monarch who ruled both England and Scotland during the 17th century.
6. Does James have any spiritual or religious significance?
According to the New Testament, James was Jesus’s brother and the Jerusalem Church’s leader. He is a significant figure in the Holy Bible who saw Jesus Christ after His resurrection. The name was carried by other important Biblical figures as well.
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