Hebrew boy name

James Name Meaning, Origin & Pronunciation

James means supplanter; held by the heel. English form of Jacob, via Latin Iacomus; the Hebrew root means held by the heel.

James is the English form of the Latin Iacomus, a variant of Iacobus, which comes from the Hebrew Yaakov, usually explained as held by the heel or supplanter. Two apostles named James appear in the New Testament, and the name spread widely across medieval Europe. Several kings of Scotland and England bore it, and it has remained consistently popular. It has many forms around the world, among them Jacques in French, Diego in Spanish, and Giacomo in Italian. James is classic and simple to spell, and it suits both formal and casual use. James Cook was a famed explorer.

Variants of James

JaimeJimJimmyJamieDiego

Well-known people named James

James Cook, James Baldwin.

Frequently asked questions

What does the name James mean?

James means "supplanter; held by the heel". English form of Jacob, via Latin Iacomus; the Hebrew root means held by the heel.

How do you pronounce James?

James is pronounced JAYMZ.

What is the origin of James?

James is of Hebrew origin. English form of Jacob, via Latin Iacomus; the Hebrew root means held by the heel.