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
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!
- James Aaron
- James Adam
- James Adrian
- James Aiden
- James Alexander
- James Alistair
- James Amory
- James Anderson
- James Andrew
- James Anthony
- James Asher
- James Ashton
- James Atlas
- James August
- James Augustus
- James Axel
- James Beckham
- James Benedict
- James Benjamin
- James Bennett
- James Bexley
- James Blaine
- James Blair
- James Blake
- James Brenton
- James Brixton
- James Bryant
- James Bryn
- James Byron
- James Cale
- James Caleb
- James Callum
- James Camden
- James Cameron
- James Carl
- James Carter
- James Cassius
- James Cavanaugh
- James Cedric
- James Christian
- James Christopher
- James Cian
- James Clyde
- James Cole
- James Colin
- James Conner
- James Connor
- James Conrad
- James Cooper
- James Corbin
- James Dallas
- James Dalton
- James Damien
- James Dane
- James Daniel
- James Darcy
- James David
- James Davis
- James Dennis
- James Dillion
- James Dominic
- James Drake
- James Duncan
- James Dylan
- James Earl
- James Edmond
- James Edward
- James Eli
- James Elijah
- James Elliot
- James Ellis
- James Emerson
- James Emmett
- James Ethan
- James Evan
- James Everett
- James Felix
- James Finlay
- James Finn
- James Finnigan
- James Fletcher
- James Flynn
- James Ford
- James Frederick
- James Gabriel
- James Gareth
- James Garrett
- James Garrison
- James Gavin
- James Gray
- James Grayson
- James Gregory
- James Gunnar
- James Hamish
- James Harrison
- James Harvey
- James Hayes
- James Henry
- James Hudson
- James Hugo
- James Hunter
- James Isaac
- James Jade
- James Jett
- James Kai
- James Knox
- James Krew
- James Kyle
- James Leon
- James Leonard
- James Levi
- James Lewis
- James Liam
- James Logan
- James Louis
- James Lucas
- James Martin
- James Mason
- James Matthew
- James Maximillian
- James Maxwell
- James Merrick
- James Michael
- James Milo
- James Mitchell
- James Monroe
- James Montgomery
- James Nathan
- James Nathaniel
- James Nicholas
- James Nolan
- James Oliver
- James Ollie
- James Owen
- James Patrick
- James Phillip
- James Potter
- James Preston
- James Quinten
- James Randell
- James Raymond
- James Reese
- James Reuben
- James Rhett
- James Rhys
- James Riley
- James Robert
- James Roman
- James Ronan
- James Rowan
- James Rupert
- James Ryan
- James Sampson
- James Samuel
- James Sebastian
- James Spencer
- James Taliesin
- James Tate
- James Tatum
- James Taylor
- James Theodore
- James Thomas
- James Timothy
- James Tucker
- James Tyler
- James Vincent
- James Wade
- James Walker
- James Wallace
- James Walter
- James Wells
- James Wesley
- James West
- James William
- James Wyatt
- James Xavier
- 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.
Culture | Name Variation |
---|---|
Biblical Hebrew | Yaakov |
Croatian | Jakov, Jakob, Jakša |
Czech | Jakub |
Danish | Jacob, Jim, Jimmy |
Dutch | Jacob, Jacobus |
Finnish | Jaakob |
German | Jakob |
Latin | Iacobus, Iacomus |
Polish | Jakub, Kuba |
Portuguese | Jacó, Jacob, Jaime |
Spanish | Jaime, Jacobo |
Turkish | Yakup, 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!
- Aaron James
- Aiden James
- Alec James
- Alfie James
- Blake James
- Brody James
- Cameron James
- Colby James
- Dominic James
- Dylan James
- Frederick James
- Harrison James
- Issac James
- Jackson James
- Jacoby James
- Lucas James
- Matthew James
- Oscar James
- Peter James
- Ralph James
- Riley James
- Rocco James
- Theo James
- Vincent James
- William James
- Zayn James
Nicknames
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:
- James Adomian – American comedian
- James Avery – American actor
- James L. Brooks – American director, producer, and screenwriter
- James Brown – American singer, songwriter, and musician
- James Buchanan – 15th President of the United States
- James Caan – American actor
- James Cameron – Canadian film director
- James “Jimmy” Carter – 39th President of the United States
- James Connolly – Irish revolutionary and labor leader
- James Corden – English actor, comedian, and television host
- James Garfield – 20th President of the United States
- James Holzhauer – American game show contestant and professional sports gambler
- James Madison Jr. – 4th President of the United States
- James Monroe – 5th President of the United States
- James Knox Polk – 11th President of the United States
- James Todd Smith (LL Cool J) – American rapper, record producer, and actor
- 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:
- James – from the classic children’s book “James and the Giant Peach” by Roald Dahl
- James the Red Engine – a train character from the beloved children’s series “Thomas and Friends”
- James “Bucky” Barnes – a Marvel character who is also known as the Winter Soldier
- James Bond – the iconic British Secret Service agent who has appeared in countless books, movies, and video games over the past several decades
- James Gordon – a character from the “Batman” universe who is often depicted as the police commissioner of Gotham City
- James T. Kirk – the captain of the USS Enterprise in the “Star Trek” franchise
- James P. Sullivan – a furry blue monster and protagonist of the Pixar movie “Monsters Inc.”
- James “Sonny” Crockett – a Miami detective and protagonist of the 80s TV show “Miami Vice”
- James Hook – the villainous captain of the Jolly Roger in the classic story “Peter Pan”
- 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
There are several common diminutives used to shorten the name James, including:
-Jim
-Jimmy/Jimy/Jimmi/Jimi/Jimmie
-Jimbo
-Jay
-Jack
-Jaime/Jamie
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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