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James
same as Jacob
Ἰάκωβος Iakōbos
James (Greek: Ἰάκωβος, Iakōbos) is a biblical name; its Greek etymology is not securely established. Four men in scripture bear the name; the best attested belongs to the Gospels period. In 2025 it was given to 12,004 children in the United States, ranking 6. Around 5,274,520 Americans have been given it since 1880. Appears with Alphaeus in Acts 1.
Which James?
Four men in scripture bear this name. Here is each of them.
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James
sibling of John; son of Zebedee
-
James
-
James
son of Alphaeus
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James
father of Judas
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 41 across 8 books
- Bearers
- 4 distinct people in scripture
- Testament
- New
- Era
- Gospels
The same name elsewhere
| Country | Form | Standing | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | James | rank 6 · 12,004 in 2025 | Births in year |
| Argentina | SANTIAGO | 49,626 registrations | Births in year |
| Brazil | TIAGO | 495,211 bearers · born 1930–2010 | Living residents |
| Spain | DIEGO | 278,380 bearers · mean age 37.9 | Living residents |
| Portugal | Tiago | permitted | IRN approved list |
Two different questions are shown here. Rows marked births in year count children registered during a period; rows marked living residents count people of every age alive at a census. They answer different questions and are never added together.
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 12,004 | Steady |
| All-time total | 5,274,520 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 95,024 in 1947 | Its highest year on record |
| Strongest state | CA | Highest share relative to births |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Matthew 4:21 |
| Last appears | Jude 1:1 |
| Cross-references | 1,179 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- John co-occurrence Appears with John in Mark 1.
- Zebedee co-occurrence Appears with Zebedee in Matthew 10.
- Jude co-occurrence Appears with Jude in Jude 1.
- Joses co-occurrence Appears with Joses in Mark 15.
- Salome co-occurrence Appears with Salome in Mark 15.
- Peter co-occurrence Appears with Peter in Acts 1.
- Mary co-occurrence Appears with Mary in Mark 15.
- Judas co-occurrence Appears with Judas in Acts 1.
Origin & meaning
Ἰάκωβος, -ου, ὁ (Heb., see previous word)
James;
__1. Son of Zebedee: Mat.4:21, Mrk.1:19, 29, Act.1:13 12:2, al.
__2. Son of Alphæus: Mat.10:3, Mrk.2:14, al.; commonly identified with Ἰ. ὁ μικρός, James the little, son of Mary (see: Μαρία, 3; Κλωπᾶς), Mat.27:56, Mrk.15:40 16:1 (cf. Jhn.19:25).
__3. The Lord's brother (see: ἀδελφός): Mat.13:55, Mrk.6:3, Act.12:17, al., 1Co.15:7 (probably), Gal.1:19 2:9, 12, Jas.1:1, Ju 1.
__4. The father of the apostle, Ἰούδας Ἰακώβου: Luk.6:16, Act.1:13
(AS)
James, father of Judas who was also know as Thaddaeus, one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus.
The biblical story
James the father of Judas who was usually known as Thaddaeus to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot. He was the father of one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus, as recorded in Luk.6.15 and Act.1.13. Beyond the name of his son, the Bible provides no further information about his background, ministry, or fate.
Key verses
James appears in 2 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
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And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
Luke 6:16 -
And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
Acts 1:13
Show all 2 references
Luke (1)
- Luke 6:16
Acts (1)
- Acts 1:13
Name variants & nicknames
- Jim — nickname
- Jimmy — nickname
- Jamie — nickname
- Jacob — same name as Jacob (Ya'aqov)
- Santiago — Spanish
- Jaime — Spanish
- Tiago — Portuguese
- Iakobos — Greek form