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Original poster

James - timeless?

105 replies

NearlyThere91 · 16/04/2025 10:49

I'm unsure if it's timeless or a bit... uninspired? I'm nearly 40 and know so many Jameses, but unsure if there are many little ones called James.

Husband loves the name.

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SpringIsSpringing25 · 16/04/2025 10:51

IMO. It's fine. But that's about the extent of it.. it's not awful, but it's not inspiring, it's just 'fine'

BoleynMemories13 · 16/04/2025 10:54

Of course James is timeless. It's the epitome of timeless. Still comfortably top 50 so definitely still plenty around. There are a few at our primary school.

You either want timeless or 'inspired'. I'm not sure you can have both to be honest.

PyrannosaurusRex · 16/04/2025 10:56

I really like James. Love Jamie, and Jim, and Jem.

craigth162 · 16/04/2025 10:56

If you want different Jaymz seems to be gaining popularity. 🙄

I have a James. Only 3 in whole high school so not overused. He gets james, jim, jamesie, Jimmy, j

JudasTree · 16/04/2025 10:58

Honestly, ‘timeless’ names are pretty much by definition uninspired. I think that’s part of the deal. It will never be trendy, it will never be exciting, or the kind of name someone remembers, but set against that, it will never be hilariously out of fashion, dateable etc. it depends on whether you see that as a good trade-off.

I write novels, and I just called a main character in the one that’s currently with my editor James because I wanted a solid, generic, name with no particular associations.

Original poster
NearlyThere91 · 16/04/2025 11:02

JudasTree · 16/04/2025 10:58

Honestly, ‘timeless’ names are pretty much by definition uninspired. I think that’s part of the deal. It will never be trendy, it will never be exciting, or the kind of name someone remembers, but set against that, it will never be hilariously out of fashion, dateable etc. it depends on whether you see that as a good trade-off.

I write novels, and I just called a main character in the one that’s currently with my editor James because I wanted a solid, generic, name with no particular associations.

Funnily enough I just read a book where the main character's husband was called James!

OP posts:
EmotionallyWeird · 16/04/2025 11:02

I think it is timeless and I like it.

wizzywig · 16/04/2025 11:03

Solid name

Pemba · 16/04/2025 11:05

Yes it's been very popular, but it's a lovely name.

Pretty much timeless I would say, and certainly a classic name. But not always popular. I was born in the 60s and there were no Jameses at school (all David, Andrew, Michael, Mark) but my dad had friends called James (usually Jim in that generation) and then I saw the name coming back during the 70s, this time usually shortened to Jamie.

So it comes and goes, but people will always have heard of it and normally know at least one James. Jaymz is an abomination!

ShaunaSadeki · 16/04/2025 11:05

Timeless and great! And I say that as someone who gave one of my DC a pretty out there name (which I don’t regret btw).

MeAndMyCatCharlotte · 16/04/2025 11:05

It's a handsome name.

MumChp · 16/04/2025 11:05

Timeless. Classic. And boring.

Cadenza12 · 16/04/2025 11:07

Like James. Really can't go wrong with a classic. Three generations have it in my family and it's timeless.

PurpleChrayn · 16/04/2025 11:08

Timeless and boring!

boysmuminherts · 16/04/2025 11:10

Classic name. My 14 year old has a friend James and I know a couple of primary aged James's. Not overly popular I'd say but no-one's going to get it wrong.

Summertimeblahness · 16/04/2025 11:10

It’s my favourite boys name.

Maddy70 · 16/04/2025 11:12

Yes. I love it actually. It's classy

Comedycook · 16/04/2025 11:12

Timeless and also doesn't denote social class which is something I like. James could be the king or live on a council estate...could be aged 1 or 100. It's a great name.

cramptramp · 16/04/2025 11:12

It’s a classic, solid name. I love it.

PivotPivotmakingmargaritas · 16/04/2025 11:16

Love the names James for a boy . I know none as adults or kids but it’s lovely

However if you are talking about James for a girls name as in Blake Lively’s daughter then please don’t

BarnacleBeasley · 16/04/2025 11:19

I think it's a great name, especially as it has lots of variants so the child has options (and can change them as he gets older).

FatLarrysBanned · 16/04/2025 11:21

Love it. Was my choice for a boy name 15 years ago (but DD appeared). Would still be my current choice if I was choosing again.

2025mustbebetter · 16/04/2025 11:25

It's not that common but it is timeless. My brother is called James but he didn't have another in his class growing up, as a teacher now I only know one in my whole secondary school.

Personally I like timeless names that are uncommon but I'm not sure I like James that much

Happyinarcon · 16/04/2025 11:27

I love it. For some reason the name John sounds boring and uninspired to me but the name James sounds cool and understated, although I don’t know why since the names are so similar

Eggsboxedandmelting · 16/04/2025 11:28

Risking Jimmy would be enough to put me off..

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