James: meaning, definitions and examples

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James

 

[ dʒeɪmz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

personal name

James is a common male given name derived from the Hebrew name Yaakov (Jacob). It has been widely used in various cultures and countries, particularly in English-speaking nations.

Examples of usage

  • James is going to the store.
  • I met James at the conference.
  • James is my best friend.
  • The book was written by James.
  • James loves playing football.

Etymology

The name James has its roots in the Hebrew name Yaakov, which means 'supplanter' or 'one who follows'. It became popular in the Christian tradition due to figures such as James the Apostle and King James I of England, the latter of whom commissioned the famous King James Version of the Bible in the early 17th century. Over time, James gained popularity in various forms across different languages. For example, in Spanish, it appears as Santiago, while in French, it is Jacques. The name has remained consistently popular in English-speaking countries, partly due to its historical significance and notable figures bearing the name throughout history. Variants and diminutives such as Jamie and Jim also arise from this name.