James

The word “James” means a common English male given name, traditionally derived from the Hebrew name that also gives us "Jacob.". In plain terms, a classic English first name, or the name of a book in the Bible.

“James” is pronounced jaymz (/d͡ʒeɪmz/ in IPA).

Here is “James” used in a sentence: “His grandfather was named James after the family tradition.”

“James” is a name.

The word “James” comes from Latin. The English form traces through Old French James back to Latin Iacobus, from Greek Iákōbos, ultimately from the Hebrew name that also produced "Jacob" — making James and Jacob doublets of each other.

“James” is a very common word in modern English.

“James” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a common English male given name, traditionally derived from the Hebrew name that also gives us "Jacob.".

James descends from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov, the same source as Jacob, traditionally interpreted as 'supplanter' or 'one who follows after.' It reached English through the Latin form Iacomus, a variant of Iacobus. Over centuries the name became one of the most enduring in the English-speaking world.

They're two versions of the very same original Hebrew name. Jacob passed into English almost directly from Hebrew, while James arrived through a Latin variant, Iacomus, and later French. English kept both as separate names, so today Jacob and James are treated as distinct despite sharing one ancient root.

The most familiar short forms are Jim and Jimmy, along with Jamie, which also stands on its own as a name. Jem and Jimbo appear less often. The Irish equivalent is Séamus, and related European forms include Jacques in French, Diego and Iago in Spanish, and Giacomo in Italian.

Very. James has ranked among the most popular English male names for centuries and remains a top choice today. It has been borne by kings of England and Scotland, two biblical apostles, and countless notable figures, giving it a classic, timeless reputation that rarely falls out of fashion.