name
Very common
James
jaymz
James (name) means a common English male given name, traditionally derived from the Hebrew name that also gives us "Jacob.". Example: “His grandfather was named James after the family tradition.”
name
1
A common English male given name, traditionally derived from the Hebrew name that also gives us "Jacob."
"In the political drama that Donald Trump has created in Washington, he could not have dreamed up a more formidable adversary than James Comey."
— Maeve Reston, Trump meets the ultimate adversary in James Comey (2017)
"His grandfather was named James after the family tradition."
2
A book of the New Testament, written as a general letter to early Christians.
"The Book of James is known for its emphasis on faith shown through action."
How to use James
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA classic English first name, or the name of a book in the Bible.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Jameses
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His grandfather was named _____ after the family tradition.
Etymology
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.
Related words
Rhymes for James
See all rhymes for James →Frequently asked questions
What does “James” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “James”?
“James” is pronounced jaymz (/d͡ʒeɪmz/ in IPA).
How do you use “James” in a sentence?
Here is “James” used in a sentence: “His grandfather was named James after the family tradition.”
What part of speech is “James”?
“James” is a name.
Where does the word “James” come from?
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.
Is “James” a common word?
“James” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “James” have?
“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.".
What does the name James mean?
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.
What is the difference between James and Jacob?
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.
What are common nicknames for James?
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.
Is James a popular name?
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.
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