The name James originated from the Hebrew name Jacob, which means "supplanter" or "one who follows". The earliest recorded use of the name James dates back to the New Testament, where it was the name given to two of Jesus Christ's apostles. One was James, the son of Zebedee, and the other was James, the son of Alphaeus.

The name James was initially a variation of the Latin name Iacomus, which was derived from the Greek form of the Hebrew name Jacob, Iakobos. This variation became popular in the early Christian era and was widely adopted across Europe.

In the Middle Ages, the name James gained widespread popularity, particularly in England, where it was associated with several notable figures. One of the most famous bearers of the name was James I of England, who reigned from 1603 to 1625. He was the first monarch of the House of Stuart and played a significant role in the development of the English monarchy.

Another notable figure with the name James was James Cook, the renowned British explorer and navigator. Born in 1728, Cook is celebrated for his extensive voyages across the Pacific Ocean, during which he mapped numerous islands and coastlines, including the eastern coast of Australia.

In the realm of literature, James Joyce, the celebrated Irish novelist and poet, is one of the most famous bearers of the name. Born in 1882, Joyce is best known for his groundbreaking novel "Ulysses", which is considered a masterpiece of modernist literature.

The name James has also been borne by several U.S. presidents, including James Madison, the fourth president, who served from 1809 to 1817 and is known as the "Father of the Constitution". James K. Polk, the 11th president, served from 1845 to 1849 and is remembered for overseeing the acquisition of vast territories during the Mexican-American War.

Throughout history, the name James has maintained its popularity and significance, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries. It continues to be a widely used name in many parts of the world, carrying with it a rich heritage and associations with notable figures from various fields.