Origin & Meaning of the James Surname
What does the last name James mean?
The surname James carries the meaning "From the Hebrew name Jacob meaning 'supplanter' via Latin Iacomus." It is derived from the Hebrew/Latin language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 249,379 bearers in the 2010 US Census, James ranks as the #85 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname James come from?
The James surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the James name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of James trace back to Hebrew/Latin. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | James |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From the Hebrew name Jacob meaning 'supplanter' via Latin Iacomus |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Hebrew/Latin |
| US Rank (2010) | #85 |
| US Count (2010) | 249,379 |
| Per 100K People | 84.54 |
| First Letter | J |
Ethnic Distribution of James
According to the US Census, the James surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 249,379 Americans with the James last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 51.58% |
| Black | 38.86% |
| Hispanic | 3.08% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.27% |
| Native American | 2.58% |
| Two or More Races | 2.64% |
Popularity of James Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the James surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the James surname increased by 16,155 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as James.
Frequently Asked Questions About James
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