James
boy name#6 in 2025James entered the US charts in 1880, peaked at #1 in 1940, ranks #6 today — a steady, dependable choice.
Popularity 1880–2025
#6
rank today
#1
peak (1940)
11,945
babies in 2025
stable
a steady, dependable choice
Rank by decade
| Decade | Average rank |
|---|---|
| 1880s | #3 |
| 1890s | #3 |
| 1900s | #3 |
| 1910s | #3 |
| 1920s | #4 |
| 1930s | #2 |
| 1940s | #1 |
| 1950s | #2 |
| 1960s | #4 |
| 1970s | #4 |
| 1980s | #7 |
| 1990s | #14 |
| 2000s | #17 |
| 2010s | #10 |
| 2020s | #5 |
Strongest states
Over the last decade, James has been most popular in CA, TX, NY.
Living bearers
About 3,022,000 people named James are estimated to be alive in the US today.
The typical James alive today was born around 1954, making them about 71 years old.
Estimated from official SSA birth records and life tables.
Names similar in popularity
Frequently asked questions
- How popular is the name James in 2025?
- James ranks #6 among US boy names in 2025, with 11,945 babies given the name.
- When was the name James most popular?
- James peaked in 1940, reaching #1 among US boy names.
- Will my child share the name James with classmates?
- Roughly 1 in 6 classrooms will have a James.
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