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Compare More NamesSee how James and William stack up against each other in this detailed comparison.
Both names are popular girl name choices, making this comparison particularly relevant for parents narrowing down their options.
Looking at current popularity, James currently ranks #2573, while William sits at #10241. Rankings can shift year to year, so it's worth exploring the historical trends for both names.
Interestingly, both James and William reached their peak popularity in the same year: 1928. This suggests they may have been influenced by similar cultural factors.
Understanding when each name was most popular helps predict its current perception and future trajectory.
Looking at total historical usage, James has been given to 24K babies since 1880, compared to 16K for William. These totals reflect each name's overall presence in American naming history.
These names show distinct popularity patterns, with each appealing to different generations of parents.
Consider factors beyond popularity when choosing between James and William: meaning, family significance, how it sounds with your surname, and your personal connection to the name.
View the full profile for James or William to see detailed charts, state-by-state popularity, and similar name suggestions. You can also compare either name with other options using our comparison tool.