Historical Figures

Where did the surname of James originate?

James is a patronymic surname, meaning "son of James". The name James is derived from the Hebrew name Ya'akov, meaning "supplanter" or "heel-catcher". The name was brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066, and it quickly became one of the most popular names in the country. The surname James was first recorded in England in the 12th century, and it has been in use ever since.