James: how popular and famous is this name?
Curious to know how many people were given the name James in 2022 in the USA and how popular was James in the past? In this page you will discover the popularity rank of the name James over the years and how many boys were named James in the past 124 years. Also you will find a list of famous people and celebrities named James across different areas such as Entertainment (Actors, Directors, Singers), Sports, Business, Literature, Politics, Science, Arts, Technology and Journalism.
How popular is the name James?
According to the 2022 US Census Data, the name James holds the 4th position in popularity among boy names. This means that out of 45946 names, James is ranked as the 4th most popular. In 2022, a total of 12028 baby boys in the USA were named James.
📋 When was the name James most popular and famous in the USA?
According to the US Census records and data, the name James reached its peak popularity in the United States in 1952. During that year, James ranked #1 out of 45946 names. It is noteworthy that James has consistently performed well, making it to the top 10 most popular names chart 90 times and the top 100 most popular names chart 123 times since 1900.
📋 When was the name James least popular in the USA?
According to the US Census records and data, the name James was at its least popular and relatively rare in the United States in 2010. During that year, James ranked #26 in popularity, indicating that out of 45946 names, only 13895 boys were given the name James.
📋 When were there more babies named James in the USA?
Since 1900, the year with the highest number of babies named James was 1947.
📋 When were there fewer babies named James in the USA?
Since 1900, the year with the fewest babies named James was 1901.
📋 Is James predominantly a boy or girl name ?
James is predominantly a boy name, with 99.5% of Jameses being boys and 0.5% of Jameses being girls.
📋 How many Jameses have there been in the USA?
From 1900 to 2022, there have been 5133195 people named James in the USA, comprising 5110065 boys and 23130 girls.
📋 When was James first recorded as a name in the USA?
James was first recorded as a boy's name in 1900 and as a girl's name in 1900.
📋 When did the usage of the name James's experience the most significant increase over the past 124 years?
James's saw its most substantial increase in 1912 when 17725 babies were named James, marking an 77% increase compared to the previous year.
📋 When did the usage of the name James experience the most significant decrease over the past 124 years?
James's usage decreased the most in 1901 when 4765 babies were named James, reflecting a --35% decrease compared to the previous year.
Famous Jameses
Here's the list of individuals named James who have gained notable recognition or achieved prominence in various fields. These individuals might have made significant contributions in areas like Entertainment, Sports, Business, History, Literature, Politics, Science, Arts and Technology.
🎉 Famous Jameses in Entertainment
People named James who became popular in the entertainment industry as they have excelled in various facets of entertainment, including acting, directing, music, and other creative pursuits.
🎭 What famous actors are named James?
Here's a list of famous actors named James and the movies they have starred in:

- Born: May 20, 1908
- Died: July 2, 1997
- Birth sign: Taurus
- No. of movies: 73
James Stewart was an iconic Hollywood actor known for his distinctive voice and memorable roles in classic films like 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'Mr.
Famous for: The Man Who Knew Too Much, The Rare Breed, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The Stratton Story

- Born: July 18, 1940
- Age: 84
- Birth sign: Cancer
- No. of movies: 27
Acclaimed American actor known for his breakthrough role in the TV series 'Marcus Welby, M.D.
Famous for: The Expert, Capricorn One, Gas, Food Lodging, The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard

- Born: February 8, 1931
- Died: September 30, 1955
- Birth sign: Aquarius
- No. of movies: 4
Iconic American actor who became a cultural symbol of teenage rebellion in the 1950s.
Famous for: East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, I.C.U., Giant
🎬 What famous directors are named James ?
Here's a list of famous directors named James and the movies they have directed:

- Born: June 7, 1928
- Age: 97
- Birth sign: Gemini
- No. of movies: 27
Renowned American film director, screenwriter, and producer, best known for his work with Merchant Ivory Productions and critically acclaimed films like 'A Room with a View' and 'Call Me by Your Name'.
Famous for: The City of Your Final Destination, A Room with a View, The White Countess, Le divorce

- Born: December 16, 1963
- Age: 61
- Birth sign: Sagittarius
- No. of movies: 19
Acclaimed American film director, screenwriter, and producer known for critically acclaimed movies across various genres.
Famous for: Identity, Cop Land, Girl, Interrupted, Walk the Line

- Born: August 16, 1954
- Died: January 26, 1985
- Birth sign: Leo
- No. of movies: 12
James Cameron is a renowned Canadian film director and screenwriter, famous for groundbreaking blockbuster films like Titanic and Avatar that revolutionized visual effects and storytelling in cinema.
Famous for: The Abyss, Piranha Part Two: The Spawning, The Terminator, Aliens
🎤 What famous singers are named James?
Here's a list of famous singers named James and their songs:

- Born: May 3, 1933
- Age: 92
- Birth sign: Taurus
- No. of songs: 31
Legendary 'Godfather of Soul' who revolutionized funk and R&B music, profoundly influencing multiple musical genres over six decades.
Famous for: I Don't Want Nobody To Give Me Nothing (Open Up The Door, I', Think, The Payback, Sexy, Sexy, Sexy

- Born: February 16, 1952
- Died: January 29, 2019
- Birth sign: Aquarius
- No. of songs: 11
Grammy-winning R&B singer and songwriter known for his soulful voice and collaborations with Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins.
Famous for: It's Real, Forever More (Love Songs, Hits & Duets), James Ingram - The Greatest Hits: Power of Great Music, James Ingram/It's Real
🏆 Famous Jameses in Sports
Here's a list of individuals named James who have achieved notable recognition and made significant contributions within the realm of Sports. These celebrities have excelled in various sports, whether as athletes, coaches, or influential figures in sports administration:
James Harden is a professional NBA basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers, known for his exceptional scoring ability, innovative playing style, and multiple-time All-Star status.
James Cracknell is a renowned British Olympic rower who won gold medals in multiple World Championships and Olympic Games.
Professional MMA fighter with a diverse skill set and successful career.
💼 Famous Jameses in Business
Here's a list of individuals named James who have gained significant recognition and made substantial contributions within the realm of business and entrepreneurship. These business celebrities have played pivotal roles in shaping industries, founding successful companies, and demonstrating exceptional leadership or innovation in their respective fields:
James Dyson is a renowned British inventor and entrepreneur who revolutionized household cleaning technology with his innovative bagless vacuum cleaners.
James Packer is a prominent Australian businessman and entrepreneur with significant investments in the gaming and entertainment industries.
James Sinegal is a prominent American business executive who co-founded and led Costco Wholesale, transforming it into a global retail powerhouse.
American author, entrepreneur, and podcaster known for influential books on self-improvement, investing, and personal finance strategies.
📜 Famous Jameses in History
Here's a list of celebrities named James who have left a lasting impact on various aspects of human history:
Legendary singer and performer known as the 'Godfather of Soul', who revolutionized popular music with his innovative funk and soul style.
James Baldwin was an influential African-American writer who explored profound themes of race, sexuality, and social justice in his seminal works like 'Go Tell It on the Mountain' and 'The Fire Next Time'.
Irish novelist, writer and wordsmith.
Prominent American conservative Republican politician who served as White House Chief of Staff under Ronald Reagan.
📚 Famous Jameses in Literature
Here' a list of famous people named James who made notable contributions within the field of literature, including authors, poets, playwrights, or scholars known for their literary works, critical writings, or influence in the literary world:
A renowned British veterinarian and author who wrote beloved semi-autobiographical books about rural veterinary life in Yorkshire, most famously the 'All Creatures Great and Small' series which became a global literary and television phenomenon.
James Patterson is a prolific and bestselling American author renowned for his crime and thriller novels, particularly the famous Alex Cross detective series.
Famous for:
Hide & Seek,
4th of July,
Cross Country,
Step on a Crack
Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist known for epic historical fiction works like 'Tales of the South Pacific' and 'Chesapeake'.
Famous for:
The Bridges At Toko-Ri,
Poland,
The Covenant,
Caribbean
Renowned Scottish veterinary surgeon and author famous for his beloved book series "All Creatures Great and Small", which chronicled his experiences as a rural veterinarian in Yorkshire, England.
Famous for:
All Creatures Great and Small: The Warm and Joyful Memoirs of the Worlds Most Beloved Animal Doctor,
James Herriot's Treasury for Children: Warm and Joyful Tales by the Author of All Creatures Great and Small,
All Things Wise and Wonderful: The Warm and Joyful Memoirs of the World's Most Beloved Animal Doctor (All Creatures Great and Small),
Every Living Thing: The Warm and Joyful Memoirs of the World's Most Beloved Animal Doctor (All Creatures Great and Small)
🏛️ Famous Jameses in Politics
Here's a list famous people named James who have held significant political positions, played influential roles in government, advocated for specific causes or reforms, or had a lasting impact on political discourse or policy-making:
American politician who contributed to the details and philosophy of the new form government being created for the revolutionary u.s.
Co-founder of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), James Farmer was a pivotal leader in the American Civil Rights Movement.
A prominent lawyer and politician who signed the Declaration of Independence and was a key delegate to the Continental Congress.
American politician, who was the president of the united states from 1817-1825.
🔬 Famous Jameses in Science
Here's a list of individuals named James who have made significant contributions and gained recognition in the field of science. Icluding scientists, researchers, inventors, or scholars known for their groundbreaking discoveries, advancements in scientific knowledge, or influential contributions to various scientific disciplines:
Renowned molecular biologist who co-discovered the double-helix structure of DNA, fundamentally transforming our understanding of genetics and winning the Nobel Prize in 1962.
Scottish inventor and engineer, whose innovations to the newcomen steam engine made it possible to make the industrial revolution a reality in his native great britain.
🎨 Famous Jameses in Arts
Here's a list of of individuals named James who have gained recognition within the realm of arts and creative expression, including artists, musicians, actors, directors, or influential figures known for their artistic talents, contributions to cultural movements, or their impact on the arts:
James Hetfield is the legendary co-founder, lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter of the iconic heavy metal band Metallica, which he formed in 1981.
💻 Famous Jameses in Technology
Here'a list of individuals named James who made substantial contributions within the field of technology, These Jameses might be entrepreneurs, innovators, engineers, or industry leaders known for their advancements, creations, or influence in technological development:
James Gosling is a renowned Canadian computer scientist who created the Java programming language, fundamentally transforming software development worldwide.
📰 Famous Jameses in Journalism
Here's a list of celebrities named James who have gained recognition within the field of journalism. These Jameses might be journalists, editors, reporters, or media personalities known for their impactful reporting, investigative work, commentary, or influence in the world of media and news dissemination:
American journalist who was tragically kidnapped and executed by ISIS in Syria, becoming a symbol of the brutal conflict and press freedom challenges.
Influential American journalist and New York Times executive who revolutionized newspaper opinion pages and won two Pulitzer Prizes.
James Fallows is a renowned American journalist, political commentator, and author who has written extensively for The Atlantic and served as a presidential speechwriter for Jimmy Carter.
Interesting facts about the name James
📕 What is the meaning and origin of the name James?
James means he who supplants
📕 What are name variants for the name James?
James's variants and other similar names include: Diego, Giacomo, Jacob, Jacques, Jago, Jaime, Jamie, Jascha, Jaymes, Jem, Jim, Jimmie, Jimmy, Seamus, Shamus, Hamish, Iago, Jamison, Jayme
📕 How to pronounce James?
James' pronunciation is \j(a)-mes\