Summary

The surname James is of English origin and is derived from the given name James, which means 'supplanter' or 'one who follows'. It has a rich history dating back centuries and has been borne by numerous notable individuals.
There are
249379
Jamess in the USA
James is the
85th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called James

JesseJames

Jesse James was an American outlaw and bank robber during the 19th century. He was a notorious figure in the American Old West and led the James-Younger Gang.

LeBronJames

LeBron James is a professional basketball player and one of the greatest athletes of all time. He has won multiple NBA championships and MVP awards.

HenryJames

Henry James was an American-British writer known for his novels and short stories. He is considered one of the greatest fictional writers of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

EttaJames

Etta James was an American singer known for her powerful vocals in various genres, including blues, R&B, and soul. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

JesseFrank

Jesse Frank James Jr. was the son of the famous outlaw Jesse James. He went on to become a lawyer and prominent figure in Missouri politics.

JamesBaldwin

James Baldwin was an American writer and social critic. His works explored themes of racial and sexual identity, and he was an important voice during the Civil Rights Movement.

JamesMorrison

James Morrison is an Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He gained international success with hit songs like 'You Give Me Something' and 'Broken Strings.'

JamesDean

James Dean was an American actor and cultural icon of the 1950s. He starred in films such as 'Rebel Without a Cause' and 'East of Eden' before his untimely death.

JamesCook

James Cook was a British explorer and navigator who made voyages of discovery to the Pacific Ocean, including the first recorded European contact with the eastern coastline of Australia.

P.D.James

P.D. James was an English crime writer known for her detective novels, particularly the series featuring detective Adam Dalgliesh. She was considered one of the greatest crime writers of her generation.

James Genealogy

OriginsThe name 'James' has origins in Hebrew and means 'supplanter' or 'replacer.' It is derived from the name 'Jacob' and was popularized by Saint James in the New Testament.
Geographic DistributionThe name 'James' is widely distributed across English-speaking countries, with a significant presence in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is also common in countries influenced by English colonization.
VariationsVariations of the name 'James' include 'Jamison,' 'Jamieson,' 'Jacobson,' and 'Jaymes.'
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the name 'James' have migrated and immigrated to various countries throughout history. It is a common surname among Scottish, Irish, and English immigrants.