| David | James | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Beloved | Supplanter |
| Origin | hebrew | Hebrew |
| Gender | Boy | Boy |
| Pronunciation | DAY-vid | JAYMZ |
| Syllables | 2 | 1 |
| First appeared | 1880 | 1880 |
| Peak year | 1955 (86,306) | 1947 (94,767) |
| In 2025 | 6,794 | 11,945 |
| Trend | Declining | Steady |
Source: US Social Security Administration.
| Decade | David | James |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 45,615 | 72,523 |
| 2010s | 116,740 | 139,689 |
| 2000s | 180,098 | 163,179 |
| 1990s | 253,711 | 244,980 |
| 1980s | 383,687 | 356,491 |
| 1970s | 445,704 | 444,713 |
| 1960s | 733,953 | 684,722 |
| 1950s | 769,963 | 843,768 |
| 1940s | 426,372 | 795,775 |
| 1930s | 164,701 | 547,479 |
| 1920s | 88,736 | 515,301 |
| 1910s | 43,853 | 275,070 |
| 1900s | 8,619 | 62,170 |
| 1890s | 7,333 | 50,723 |
| 1880s | 7,569 | 54,055 |
From the Hebrew name דָּוִד (Dawid), generally derived from the root dwd meaning 'beloved' (also linked to a word for 'uncle'). Borne by the great Old Testament king, it is one of the most securely attested 'beloved' names.
James descends, through Latin Iacomus, from the Hebrew Yaʿaqov (Jacob), traditionally read as “supplanter” or “one who follows.” It has been borne by kings and two apostles.
James is more popular than David today: about 11,945 US babies were given the name James in 2025, compared with 6,794 named David.
David means Beloved (hebrew origin), while James means Supplanter (Hebrew origin).
In US records, David first appears in 1880 and James in 1880, so David has the longer recorded history.