James and Jacob started out as the same name. Both come from the Hebrew Ya'aqov, which became Iacobus in Latin. A later Latin variant, Iacomus, gave rise to the forms that turned into James in English, Jacques in French, Giacomo in Italian and Jaime in Spanish. The two are treated as separate names today, but they share a family tree.
James has been a royal name in Scotland and England, carried by the king who commissioned the King James Bible, and it has been one of the most common boys' names in the English-speaking world for centuries. Its nicknames are informal and warm. Jim and Jimmy are the classic American short forms: President Jimmy Carter was born James Earl Carter, and the actor Jimmy Stewart was born James Stewart. In Scotland, Jamie has long been the favorite, and the Gaelic forms gave English two more names, Seamus and Hamish.
The lists below go from the everyday to the international. In a classroom with more than one James, a distinctive choice like Jem or Hamish is an easy way to stand out.
Jim, Jimmy and Jimbo
The classic American short forms.
- JimShort, solid and straightforward.
- JimmyJim with a -y ending. Friendly and a little boyish, as with Jimmy Carter.
- JimmieAnother spelling of Jimmy, with a vintage look.
- JimboA jokey, affectionate form used between friends.
Jamie, Jem and Jay
Gentler and more distinctive options.
- JamieA traditional Scottish pet form of James, now used for every gender.
- JemAn old English short form, rarely heard now.
- JayBuilt on the first letter. Simple and modern.
Irish and Scottish forms
Two Gaelic forms of James that became names in English.
- SeamusThe Irish form of James, pronounced SHAY-mus.
- HamishThe Scottish form, from the Gaelic Sheumais, a form of Seumas.
James around the world
The same name in other languages.
- JaimeThe Spanish and Portuguese form.
- IagoAn older Spanish and Welsh form of the name.
- SantiagoFrom Sant Iago, "Saint James," the patron saint of Spain.
- JacquesThe French form, also used for Jacob.
- GiacomoThe Italian form.
Choosing a James nickname
- Jamie is warm and works at every age, while Jim and Jimmy carry a more classic, mid-century feel.
- Many young Jameses today simply go by James, so a nickname can be something to grow into rather than a must.
- If there's Irish or Scottish family, Seamus or Hamish honors that heritage while staying true to the name.
- Jem is rare and literary-sounding, a good choice if you want a traditional short form nobody else uses.
Common questions
What is the most common nickname for James?
Jim, Jimmy and Jamie are the classic nicknames. Many young Jameses today go by the full name.
Are James and Jacob the same name?
Historically, yes. Both come from the Hebrew Ya'aqov through Latin. James developed from the Latin variant Iacomus, while Jacob kept closer to the original.
Is Hamish a form of James?
Yes. Hamish is the Scottish form, taken from Sheumais, a form of the Gaelic Seumas, which is James.
Why is Santiago related to James?
Santiago comes from Sant Iago, Spanish for "Saint James." Saint James is the patron saint of Spain, and the name became a given name of its own.