Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name James.
National Rank (2025)
#6
All-Time Peak Rank
#1 (1940)
Total U.S. Births
5,250,638
Unisex Distribution99.5% Boy / 0.5% GirlBalance: Overwhelmingly Male
💡 The James Vibe: This choice is considered a Perennial Favorite. A historic staple that has maintained dominant national popularity for over half a century.
📖 The Story Behind James
According to SSA data, James achieved its highest historical rank of #1 in 1940. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 1947 with 94,767 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have decreased by 19.6%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 146 consecutive years.
📊 Factual Timeline & Current Trajectory (1880 – 2025)
Watch how the absolute registration footprint of the name James scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Stable
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
-19.6% Decline
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record94,767Births in 1947
Years in Top 100
146yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
146Years
Historical VolatilityVery Stable
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:54,055
1890s:50,723
1900s:62,170
1910s:275,070
1920s:515,301
1930s:547,479
1940s:795,775
1950s:843,768
1960s:684,722
1970s:444,713
1980s:356,491
1990s:244,980
2000s:163,179
2010s:139,689
2020s:72,523
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesJames
Letter Count5 Letters
Spelling ComplexityModerate
Linguistic Profile Narrative: It is an isogram, meaning no two letters are repeated. Longer than 7.7% of SSA names. Starts with J, a letter used by only 7.8% of SSA names.
🛠️ Rhythm & Cadence Engine
Need a middle name or matching choice that pairs cleanly with James? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
BabyNameAnalytics