James is a popular masculine given name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English form "James," which was itself taken from the Latin "Jacobus." This Latin form is a translation of the Hebrew name "Ya'akov," which means "supplanter" or "seize by the heel."
The name James has been widely used throughout history and has appeared in various forms across different cultures. In the Bible, James is one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ to spread his teachings. This figure may have contributed to the popularity of the name among Christians.
In medieval England, the name James was often associated with royalty. Several kings of Scotland bore this name, including King James I, who ruled from 1424 until his death in 1437. Additionally, King James VI of Scotland became King James I of England in 1603 when he ascended to the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth I.
Today, James remains a popular choice for parents naming their sons. It has consistently ranked among the top 500 names given to boys in the United States since record-keeping began in the early 20th century. The name also enjoys popularity in other English-speaking countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
In summary, James is a classic masculine given name with roots tracing back to ancient Hebrew origins. It has been widely used throughout history by various cultures and figures, including biblical apostles and royal monarchs. Today, it continues to be a popular choice for baby boys around the world.
The name James has been a popular choice for newborns in the United States since the late 19th century. Between 1880 and 2023, there have been a total of 5,226,569 births registered with the name James.
From 1880 to 1910, the number of babies named James fluctuated between around 4,500 to over 9,000 per year. The highest point during this period was in 1910, with 9,194 births.
The early 20th century saw a significant increase in the popularity of the name James. In 1912, there were 17,644 births, and by 1915, that number had risen to 33,773. This trend continued throughout the decade, peaking at 42,392 births in 1919.
The popularity of the name James remained high throughout the mid-20th century, with over 50,000 births each year between 1920 and 1960. The highest point during this period was in 1947, with 94,761 births.
Since the 1960s, the popularity of the name James has gradually decreased. In 1960, there were still over 75,000 births named James, but by 2023, that number had fallen to around 11,670 births.
Despite this decline in popularity, James remains a classic and timeless choice for parents naming their newborn sons. Its enduring appeal is reflected in the consistent presence of the name among the top ten most popular boys' names in the United States over the past century.