James is a common surname with origins in both England and Scotland. It derives from the given name “James”, which means “supplanter” or “one who follows”. The name has been borne by many notable individuals, including author Henry James and psychologist William James. In the United States, James is the 7th most common surname, with over 1.5 million individuals sharing the name. The surname has also been used as a first name, particularly for boys.
