Origin and Meaning of James

Meaning & Origin

Supplanter

Origin: Hebrew - Derived from the Hebrew name Yaakov (Jacob), which means 'to supplant' or 'to follow'.

Interesting Facts

  • James has been a popular name in Christian traditions due to its association with James the Just, a prominent figure in the New Testament.
  • The name is widely used in various cultures, often adapted as Jaime (Spanish) or Jacques (French).
  • Notable bearers of the name include King James I of England, who commissioned the King James Version of the Bible, and influential authors like James Baldwin and James Joyce.
  • James has consistently ranked as one of the most popular names for boys in the United States, frequently appearing in the top 10 since the late 19th century.
  • Related names include Jamie, Jim, and Jacob, with various cultural variants appearing around the world.