- Origin: Hebrew
- Gender: Masculine
- Meaning: Supplanter
James Name Meaning in Hebrew
The name James comes from the Hebrew name Yaakov, which means “supplanter.” In the Old Testament, Jacob is the son of Isaac and the father of the 12 tribes of Israel.
James Name Meaning in Bible
The most famous James in the Bible is James, son of Zebedee and one of Jesus’ 12 apostles. There is also James, son of Alphaeus who was another apostle, and James the Just, believed to be the author of the Epistle of James in the New Testament.
Spiritual Meaning of The Name James
The spiritual meaning of James emphasizes strength of character, perseverance and faithfulness to God. The apostle James exemplified spiritual maturity, prayerfulness and leadership within the early Christian Church.
James Name Popularity
James has been a consistent popular name for boys for centuries, entering the US Top 10 in the 1880s and reaching #1 in 1970 where it remained for over 30 years. It fell out of the Top 10 in 2020.
Common Nicknames
- Jim
- Jamie
- Jay
Famous People Named James
- James Bond, fictional spy character
- James Madison, 4th US President
- James Dean, American actor
- James Cook, British explorer
FAQ’s
What religion is the name James?
James ultimately derives from a Hebrew name so James has both Jewish and Christian religious roots.
What nationality is the name James from?
James originated as a Hebrew name but became popular in England during the Middle Ages and remains widely used in English-speaking countries.
What does James mean?
James ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Yaakov which means “supplanter,” referring to Jacob who supplanted his brother Esau in the Bible.
