John-James
Boy name · 43 babies recorded · 1974–2025
John-James: 43 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 8 births in 2017.
John-James is a modern hyphenated compound name, blending two enduring classics: John, from the Hebrew *Yochanan* meaning “God is gracious,” and James, the English form of *Jacob*, from the Hebrew *Ya’aqov* meaning “supplanter.” This pairing is relatively recent in Scotland, gaining traction in the late 20th century as double-barrelled first names grew popular. While no single famous bearer comes to mind, the name evokes the authority of John Knox, the 16th-century Scottish reformer, and the literary legacy of James Boswell. No notable place connections exist for the compound form, though John and James appear in countless place names worldwide. The hyphenated style feels distinctly Scottish and contemporary, offering a way to honour both a grandfather’s John and a father’s James without choosing between them—a heartfelt compromise that has its own gentle, rhythmic charm.
Boy 10 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 20178 babies
- Latest (2021)
- #7203 babies
- Total births
- 43since 1998
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y