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177 Most Popular Middle Names For James

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Here are 177 popular middle names for James! We also share cute name variations and nicknames for James, plus name pairings for siblings!

If you’re a first time mom and considering the name James for your little one, you’re in good company!

James is a timeless and classic name that’s been popular for generations.

But have you thought about what middle name to pair it with?

Choosing the perfect middle name can be difficult, but it’s also an opportunity to add a personal touch to your child’s name.

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of 177 of the most popular middle names for James.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional name or a modern one, a family name, or a name with a special meaning, you’re sure to find some great options on this list.

Keep scrolling for the best middle names for James!

Top Middle Names for James

A smiling boy in a brown shirt laying on a bed with a white sheet.

If you’re struggling to choose the perfect middle name for your baby boy, don’t worry!

There are plenty of great pairings for your son’s first name.

Here’s our list of the top 177 most popular baby boy names that go with James.

You’re sure to find the perfect combination for your little one!

  1. James Aaron
  2. James Adam
  3. James Adrian
  4. James Aiden
  5. James Alexander
  6. James Alistair
  7. James Amory
  8. James Anderson
  9. James Andrew
  10. James Anthony
  11. James Asher
  12. James Ashton
  13. James Atlas
  14. James August
  15. James Augustus
  16. James Axel
  17. James Beckham
  18. James Benedict
  19. James Benjamin
  20. James Bennett
  21. James Bexley
  22. James Blaine
  23. James Blair
  24. James Blake
  25. James Brenton
  26. James Brixton
  27. James Bryant
  28. James Bryn
  29. James Byron
  30. James Cale
  31. James Caleb
  32. James Callum
  33. James Camden
  34. James Cameron
  35. James Carl
  36. James Carter
  37. James Cassius
  38. James Cavanaugh
  39. James Cedric
  40. James Christian
  41. James Christopher
  42. James Cian
  43. James Clyde
  44. James Cole
  45. James Colin
  46. James Conner
  47. James Connor
  48. James Conrad
  49. James Cooper
  50. James Corbin
  51. James Dallas
  52. James Dalton
  53. James Damien
  54. James Dane
  55. James Daniel
  56. James Darcy
  57. James David
  58. James Davis
  59. James Dennis
  60. James Dillion
  61. James Dominic
  62. James Drake
  63. James Duncan
  64. James Dylan
  65. James Earl
  66. James Edmond
  67. James Edward
  68. James Eli
  69. James Elijah
  70. James Elliot
  71. James Ellis
  72. James Emerson
  73. James Emmett
  74. James Ethan
  75. James Evan
  76. James Everett
  77. James Felix
  78. James Finlay
  79. James Finn
  80. James Finnigan
  81. James Fletcher
  82. James Flynn
  83. James Ford
  84. James Frederick
  85. James Gabriel
  86. James Gareth
  87. James Garrett
  88. James Garrison
  89. James Gavin
  90. James Gray
  91. James Grayson
  92. James Gregory
  93. James Gunnar
  94. James Hamish
  95. James Harrison
  96. James Harvey
  97. James Hayes
  98. James Henry
  99. James Hudson
  100. James Hugo
  101. James Hunter
  102. James Isaac
  103. James Jade
  104. James Jett
  105. James Kai
  106. James Knox
  107. James Krew
  108. James Kyle
  109. James Leon
  110. James Leonard
  111. James Levi
  112. James Lewis
  113. James Liam
  114. James Logan
  115. James Louis
  116. James Lucas
  117. James Martin
  118. James Mason
  119. James Matthew
  120. James Maximillian
  121. James Maxwell
  122. James Merrick
  123. James Michael
  124. James Milo
  125. James Mitchell
  126. James Monroe
  127. James Montgomery
  128. James Nathan
  129. James Nathaniel
  130. James Nicholas
  131. James Nolan
  132. James Oliver
  133. James Ollie
  134. James Owen
  135. James Patrick
  136. James Phillip
  137. James Potter
  138. James Preston
  139. James Quinten
  140. James Randell
  141. James Raymond
  142. James Reese
  143. James Reuben
  144. James Rhett
  145. James Rhys
  146. James Riley
  147. James Robert
  148. James Roman
  149. James Ronan
  150. James Rowan
  151. James Rupert
  152. James Ryan
  153. James Sampson
  154. James Samuel
  155. James Sebastian
  156. James Spencer
  157. James Taliesin
  158. James Tate
  159. James Tatum
  160. James Taylor
  161. James Theodore
  162. James Thomas
  163. James Timothy
  164. James Tucker
  165. James Tyler
  166. James Vincent
  167. James Wade
  168. James Walker
  169. James Wallace
  170. James Walter
  171. James Wells
  172. James Wesley
  173. James West
  174. James William
  175. James Wyatt
  176. James Xavier
  177. James Zachary

As you can see, there’s a wide range of options when it comes to middle names for James. Ultimately, the best name is the one that speaks to you and your family.

Let us know if you pick one of these cool middle names in the comments!

Meaning of the Name 

James is traditionally a boy’s name that has a rich history and meaning.

It’s a well-known and respected Biblical name that’s been popular for centuries.

James is a variation of the Hebrew name Jacob, which means “supplanter” or “substitute.”

And despite the negative connotations of “supplanter,” the name James has a positive and noble meaning, representing a strong and capable leader who can take the place of another.

Origin of the Name

The name James is of Hebrew origin, and it’s connected to two of the most well-known Biblical figures, Jesus’ apostles.

It also has royal connections, thanks to Scottish King James VI.

It’s no wonder the name James has remained a popular choice for parents looking for a traditional and meaningful name for their baby boy.

Popularity of the Name 

According to the Social Security Administration, James has consistently been one of the most popular boy names in the United States since 1900.

It even held the top spot from 1940 to 1952 and has never fallen below number 19 since 1993.

In recent years, James has remained in the top 10, and its popularity may have even been boosted by parents who started naming their daughters James.

Different Spellings

Looking for a way to give the classic name James a unique twist? You might consider a different spelling.

Here are some alternate spellings of the name James to consider:

  • Jaemes
  • Jaems
  • Jaimes
  • Jaims
  • Jamez
  • Jamze
  • Jaymes
  • Jaymz

Cultural Variations of the Name

The popularity of the name James is evident not only in the United States but also in various cultures worldwide.

Here are some cultural variations of this timeless name.

CultureName Variation
Biblical HebrewYaakov
CroatianJakov, Jakob, Jakša
CzechJakub
DanishJacob, Jim, Jimmy
DutchJacob, Jacobus
FinnishJaakob
GermanJakob
LatinIacobus, Iacomus
PolishJakub, Kuba
PortugueseJacó, Jacob, Jaime
SpanishJaime, Jacobo
TurkishYakup, Yakub

First Name Ideas

If you prefer James as a middle name, you might be on the hunt for a great baby’s first name that pairs well with it.

Here are some adorable baby names that sound perfect with the middle name James.

Let us know your top pick!

  1. Aaron James
  2. Aiden James
  3. Alec James
  4. Alfie James
  5. Blake James
  6. Brody James
  7. Cameron James
  8. Colby James
  9. Dominic James
  10. Dylan James
  11. Frederick James
  12. Harrison James
  13. Issac James
  14. Jackson James
  15. Jacoby James
  16. Lucas James
  17. Matthew James
  18. Oscar James
  19. Peter James
  20. Ralph James
  21. Riley James
  22. Rocco James
  23. Theo James
  24. Vincent James
  25. William James
  26. Zayn James

Nicknames

Smiling boy in a plaid shirt sits on the floor with his back to the wall.

James is a perfect name for a baby boy, but it’s always fun to have some cute nicknames to call him by.

Here is a list of the most popular and adorable nicknames for James.

  • Jamie
  • Jas
  • Jay
  • JayJay
  • Jem
  • Jemmy
  • Jim
  • Jimmy

Similar Names

If you like the name James but are looking for something a little different, many similar names share its lasting appeal.

Here are some options that might catch your eye:

  • Adam
  • Alexander
  • Bradley
  • David
  • Henry
  • Jack
  • Jacob
  • Jameson
  • Leo
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Thomas
  • Timothy

Hopefully, this list of middle names for James and similar names has helped you narrow down your selection.

Sibling Pairings

Boy Names

If you already have a James, here are some boy names that go well together if your little one is having a brother.

Here are some brother name suggestions to consider:

  • James and Alexander
  • James and Alistair
  • James and Caleb
  • James and Connor
  • James and David
  • James and Dylan
  • James and Elias
  • James and George
  • James and Laurence
  • James and Louie
  • James and Lucas
  • James and Matthew
  • James and Michael
  • James and Miles
  • James and Patrick

Girl Names

And, if you’re having a girl, here are some beautiful sister names that sound perfect with the name James:

  • James and Ada
  • James and Anya
  • James and Aphra
  • James and Calla
  • James and Catherine
  • James and Charlotte
  • James and Clara
  • James and Emily
  • James and Flora
  • James and Hannah
  • James and Helena
  • James and Lara
  • James and Lila
  • James and Lydia
  • James and Mara
  • James and Nella
  • James and Nora
  • James and Rosa
  • James and Sarah
  • James and Willa

Famous People

James is a very popular name among celebrities and public figures.

Here are some famous people you probably know:

  1. James Adomian – American comedian
  2. James Avery – American actor
  3. James L. Brooks – American director, producer, and screenwriter
  4. James Brown – American singer, songwriter, and musician
  5. James Buchanan – 15th President of the United States
  6. James Caan – American actor
  7. James Cameron – Canadian film director
  8. James “Jimmy” Carter – 39th President of the United States
  9. James Connolly – Irish revolutionary and labor leader
  10. James Corden – English actor, comedian, and television host
  11. James Garfield – 20th President of the United States
  12. James Holzhauer – American game show contestant and professional sports gambler
  13. James Madison Jr. – 4th President of the United States
  14. James Monroe – 5th President of the United States
  15. James Knox Polk – 11th President of the United States
  16. James Todd Smith (LL Cool J) – American rapper, record producer, and actor
  17. James Vernon Taylor – American singer-songwriter and guitarist

Fictional Characters

James is also a popular name for fictional characters in films, television shows, pop culture, and books.

Here are some of the most notable characters called James:

  1. James – from the classic children’s book “James and the Giant Peach” by Roald Dahl
  2. James the Red Engine – a train character from the beloved children’s series “Thomas and Friends”
  3. James “Bucky” Barnes – a Marvel character who is also known as the Winter Soldier
  4. James Bond – the iconic British Secret Service agent who has appeared in countless books, movies, and video games over the past several decades
  5. James Gordon – a character from the “Batman” universe who is often depicted as the police commissioner of Gotham City
  6. James T. Kirk – the captain of the USS Enterprise in the “Star Trek” franchise
  7. James P. Sullivan – a furry blue monster and protagonist of the Pixar movie “Monsters Inc.”
  8. James “Sonny” Crockett – a Miami detective and protagonist of the 80s TV show “Miami Vice”
  9. James Hook – the villainous captain of the Jolly Roger in the classic story “Peter Pan”
  10. James Potter – a central character in the beloved book series by J.K. Rowling.

How To Pick A Middle Name

When choosing a great middle name for James, there are a few things to consider:

Family Names

Using a family name as a middle name can be a great way to honor family members and continue family traditions.

Consider using the middle name of a family member or a family name that has special significance.

Flow and Initials

Consider how the first name, middle name, and last name will sound together and whether the child’s initials create a nice combination. 

Some people like to have matching first and middle initials or alliteration in their names. 

Try to use a short name (one or two syllables) as this tends to fit better with most first names.

Special Meanings

Look for a middle name that has a special meaning or significance to you or your family. This could be the name of close friends, a favorite author, a family tradition, or a place that holds special significance.

The Child’s Personality 

You may want to wait until you meet your little one to give them their middle name. That way you can be sure that your baby’s name matches their unique personality.

Don’t feel bad if you haven’t decided on the full name for your baby when you leave the hospital.

You can take as much time as you need to give them a unique name.

Ultimately, choosing your child’s middle name is a personal decision, and there is no right or wrong answer.

FAQs

How do you shorten James?


There are several common diminutives used to shorten the name James, including:

-Jim
-Jimmy/Jimy/Jimmi/Jimi/Jimmie
-Jimbo
-Jay
-Jack
-Jaime/Jamie

What is a longer name for James?


James is often used as a shortened form of the name Jacobus or Jacob, which is derived from the Hebrew name Yaakov.

Other longer names that can be shortened to James include:

-Jacques (French)
-Jakob (German, Polish)
-Jaime (Spanish)

The Bottom Line

James is a well-loved baby boy name that has stood the test of time.

With its many diminutive, cultural variations, and brother/sister combinations, there are endless possibilities for personalizing this great name.

Whether you choose the traditional spelling or an alternative, your baby James will share a classic name that many cultures have loved.

By carefully considering baby name ideas and good middle name options, you can ensure that your baby’s full name reflects his or her unique identity.

We hope this list of middle names for James helps you find the perfect combination!

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