Okay so I consider both [name_m]Charles[/name_m] and [name_u]James[/name_u] as ‘classics’ in my mind. Ones that stand through time and are useable with a whole bunch of other names that I like. For a few years I’ve had [name_u]James[/name_u] paired with a few of my more outgoing names and a week ago I came across [name_m]Charles[/name_m] when I realized I liked it as well as [name_u]James[/name_u]. Currently I’m trying to debate between the two and figure out which one I prefer. So here’s my question, Which one do you like and why?
I like both, but I think I slightly prefer [name_u]James[/name_u] as a first name because, even being a super common name, I think it’s used most of the time as a middle name, so [name_u]James[/name_u] a first name sounds fresh to me.
I like [name_m]Charles[/name_m]. It is formal and strong and has lots of softer nn options (i.e. [name_u]Chase[/name_u], [name_u]Charlie[/name_u], etc). [name_u]James[/name_u] is becoming popular as a trendy girls name and for that reason alone I would think twice about [name_u]James[/name_u].
I think both are strong, handsome classics, but I prefer [name_u]James[/name_u] just a little. Couldn’t tell you why, though. I just like the sound of [name_u]James[/name_u] more, I guess. Plus, nn [name_u]Jamie[/name_u] is so cute!
Charles gets my vote, even though we used [name_u]James[/name_u] as a middle. There’s no real reason for that, other than preference. I also wouldn’t hesitate to use [name_u]Charlie[/name_u] (and maybe even [name_m]Charles[/name_m]) for a girl. [name_u]James[/name_u], however, is boy only for me (though I love seeing others use it!).
Both are fabulous, strong, classic names. Both have excellent nickname potential. Both have been popular for many, many years for those reasons!
James is my top boys’ name–I like [name_m]Charles[/name_m] too, but I’m not sure I’d use it myself, although it’s a perfectly fine name. But I definitely prefer [name_u]James[/name_u]. Also, while [name_u]James[/name_u] has great nickname options, I feel like it stands alone better while [name_m]Charles[/name_m] sort of automatically slides to [name_u]Charlie[/name_u].
I prefer [name_u]James[/name_u]. [name_m]Charles[/name_m] seems sort of posh and harsh to me, not sure why. I’ve never know anyone who goes by [name_m]Charles[/name_m] in real life. [name_u]James[/name_u], on the other hand, seems traditional and accessible.
Love [name_u]Charlie[/name_u], though, and hate [name_m]Jim[/name_m]/Jamie so probably neither are quite right for me.
I prefer [name_u]James[/name_u]! It just seems friendlier and more accessible to me, I can’t imagine a regular little boy being called [name_m]Charles[/name_m] for some reason. Maybe it’s the ‘ar’ sound?
While I like them both, [name_m]Charles[/name_m] is my favorite. It is both soft and strong, a combination I love.
However, the nn possibility of [name_m]Charles[/name_m] being called [name_u]Charlie[/name_u] or [name_m]Chuck[/name_m] steered me clear of it as a boy choice. I know we all say no one will nickname our child, but that’s unrealistic because people do.
Of course with [name_u]James[/name_u] there’s the chance of [name_m]Jim[/name_m] or [name_m]Jimmy[/name_m] so it’s probably six of one.
NNs aside, I’d go with [name_m]Charles[/name_m] (probably because I dated the world’s biggest egotist named [name_u]James[/name_u]!). Also [name_u]James[/name_u] has a slight tinge of butler about it, like Jeeves.
I love the name James! It is so handsome and timeless!
Charles is a great name, but in my head, I always associate Charles with older men (40+). When I hear or see the name Charles, I never imagine a baby, a toddler, a teenager or even a young adult. But I do believe that Charles is an amazing classic name. If you love it, please use it!
James feels fresher. It sounds gentle, harmonious and sophisticated. So it gets my vote!
probably neither are quite right for me.