| James | David | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Supplanter | Beloved |
| Origin | Hebrew | hebrew |
| Gender | Boy | Boy |
| Pronunciation | JAYMZ | DAY-vid |
| Syllables | 1 | 2 |
| First appeared | 1880 | 1880 |
| Peak year | 1947 (94,767) | 1955 (86,306) |
| In 2025 | 11,945 | 6,794 |
| Trend | Steady | Declining |
Source: US Social Security Administration.
| Decade | James | David |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 72,523 | 45,615 |
| 2010s | 139,689 | 116,740 |
| 2000s | 163,179 | 180,098 |
| 1990s | 244,980 | 253,711 |
| 1980s | 356,491 | 383,687 |
| 1970s | 444,713 | 445,704 |
| 1960s | 684,722 | 733,953 |
| 1950s | 843,768 | 769,963 |
| 1940s | 795,775 | 426,372 |
| 1930s | 547,479 | 164,701 |
| 1920s | 515,301 | 88,736 |
| 1910s | 275,070 | 43,853 |
| 1900s | 62,170 | 8,619 |
| 1890s | 50,723 | 7,333 |
| 1880s | 54,055 | 7,569 |
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.
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 is more popular than David today: about 11,945 US babies were given the name James in 2025, compared with 6,794 named David.
James means Supplanter (Hebrew origin), while David means Beloved (hebrew origin).
In US records, James first appears in 1880 and David in 1880, so James has the longer recorded history.