Meaning, origin, history
James is a name of English origin that has been popular for centuries. It is derived from the Middle English name "James," which was brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066. The name James is ultimately of Latin origin, coming from the name "Iacomus," which was a Latin form of the Hebrew name "Jacob."
The meaning of the name James is believed to be related to its Hebrew origins and translates as "supplanter" or "seizing by the heel." This refers to the biblical story of Jacob wrestling with an angel and being given the new name Israel, as told in Genesis 32:28.
The name James has a rich history and has been borne by many notable figures throughout history. Some of the most famous bearers of the name include King James I of England (also known as James VI of Scotland), who ruled from 1603 to 1625, and James Bond, the fictional British spy created by Ian Fleming.
In popular culture today, the name James is often associated with the character "James T. Kirk" from the Star Trek franchise, played by William Shatner in the original series and by Chris Pine in the reboot films. The name has also been used prominently in literature, such as in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby," where the main character is named Jay Gatsby (a play on the name James).
In numbers
Popularity of the name Jamez since 1880
Total births
629
Total since 1880
Peak year
2010
32 births
in 2023
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-20%
↘
vs previous 5 years