Jacob/James Alternatives

A top name in Eastern European countries including Croatia and Bosnia, where it is a transcription of Jacob.

Jakub is an authentic Polish variation of the megapopular Jacob, but in the US it will feel like a kree8tiv spelling. Kuba is the cute Polish short form.

This is a strong new James varietal, sometimes shared by girls. An original way to honor Grandpa Jim, Jameson is swiftly moving up the charts, entering the Top 100 for the first time ever in 2017. Jameson is one of the hottest boy names starting with J, still the most popular first initial for boys' names. One small caveat: Jameson is also a brand of whiskey.

The cool form of James in the 1970s and '80s for both sexes. Still a more stylish short form than Jimmy, though many parents will want to call James by his entire, not-very-long name.

Jamie is typical of the relaxed unisex names starting with J that seemed so cool in the sixties after decades of Jeans and Joans, though now pretty tepid. Jaime and even Jamey and Jayme are alternate spellings.

Though this spelling is not seen too often in the US, it is a common surname spelling in the land of kilts.

A variation of Jameson. Both names have climbed in popularity in recent years, though Jameson remains the preferred spelling.

Jaqueline is a variant spelling of Jacqueline, a feminine name with French origins. Derived from the masculine name Jacques (the French form of James), it ultimately traces back to the Hebrew name Ya'akov, meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel.' The name gained significant popularity in the United States during the 1960s due to the influence of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, whose grace and style made a lasting impression on American culture. This particular spelling variant, Jaqueline, omits one of the 'c's found in the traditional French spelling, giving it a slightly simplified appearance while maintaining the same pronunciation. Though less common than the standard spelling, Jaqueline offers a subtle distinction while still carrying the sophisticated and elegant qualities associated with the name.

Jaxon has been mostly climbing in popularity since it entered the Top 1000 in 1997, proving that many parents have decided to rev up the cool factor of Jackson by giving it this streamlined spelling. (Though we still prefer the original.)

While Jay has been long used as a stand-alone boy name, it has more recently been used as one for girls. Otherwise, it has largely been seen as a pet form of any J name, or as a singular middle name.

Though this feels like a modern invention, Jay has been in use for centuries. Early Jays often were named in honor of founding father John Jay, whose surname derived from the jaybird. A popular mid-century choice, Jay was in the Top 100 from 1956 to 1970. In the last couple of decades he was replaced by such more elaborate forms as Jayden, Jaylen, and Jayce. But Jay could make a comeback in tandem with cousins May, Kay, Fay, and Ray.

Jayme is a versatile name used for both boys and girls, though traditionally more common for males. It originated as a medieval variant spelling of James, which derives from the Hebrew name Ya'akov (Jacob), meaning 'supplanter' or 'one who follows.' The distinctive spelling with 'y' and 'e' emerged as a unique variation while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. For boys, Jayme offers a softer alternative to the classic James while preserving its strong heritage. The name has fluctuated in popularity over decades, never reaching top rankings but maintaining steady usage. Its appeal lies in combining traditional roots with a contemporary spelling twist. Jayme bridges formal and casual settings comfortably, offering versatility throughout life. The name's balanced sound and recognizable yet distinctive spelling make it appealing to parents seeking something familiar but not commonplace for their sons.

Peaked in the 1940s, but still an amiable classic, a la Joe and Tom -- though rarely used on its own.

Jimbo is a masculine name that originated as a familiar, affectionate nickname for James. With English-American origins, it combines the shortened form 'Jim' with the suffix 'bo,' which was a popular addition to nicknames in the southern United States. This playful diminutive has occasionally been used as a given name in its own right, particularly in the late 20th century when informal names gained acceptance. Jimbo conveys a friendly, approachable quality with a distinctly casual American flair. While not commonly found on birth certificates, it maintains popularity as a nickname and carries associations with down-to-earth warmth and unpretentious charm. The name has folksy appeal and projects an easygoing personality.

Every other little kid's name in 1957 but few Jameses are called Jimmy today; they're more often James or Jamie.