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Sign up freeJames Family Genealogy & History
Discover the Global Legacy of the James Surname
The surname James is rooted in the French and English languages, originating from the given name derived from the Old French "James," a variant of "Jacme" or "Jame." This, in turn, came from the Late Latin "Jacomus," a variant of Latin "Jacobus," which traces back to the Hebrew "Yaakov." The name James carries a rich historical significance, often associated with biblical roots and heritage, making it an intriguing subject for those interested in family history and genealogy.
Over time, the surname James evolved from its biblical and Latin origins, spreading through France and into England. The name gained prominence in the English-speaking world, especially during the medieval period, as it became associated with notable figures and families. The James family tree expanded geographically, with members migrating and establishing roots in various parts of Europe and later in America, contributing to its widespread recognition and use.
While the YourRoots dataset does not provide additional insights specific to the surname James, the documented spread of the name aligns with historical migration patterns and cultural diffusion observed in the genealogical records. This supports the understanding of the James surname as one deeply embedded in European history, with records indicating its presence in significant historical events and regions.
For genealogy enthusiasts and family-tree researchers, tracing the James lineage offers a fascinating glimpse into a name that has navigated through centuries of history and geography. The James genealogy and records reveal a tapestry of cultural and historical narratives, providing ample opportunities for deeper exploration and connection to the past.
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Records
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MJMargaret James1596–1638Public Tree Person15 treesScore: BMJMargaret James1596–1638Public Tree Person15 treesScore: B
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PJPatience James1603–1690Public Tree Person14 treesScore: BPJPatience James1603–1690Public Tree Person14 treesScore: B
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DJDorothy James1622–1702Public Tree Person12 treesScore: BDJDorothy James1622–1702Public Tree Person12 treesScore: B
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MJMargareth James1596–1638Public Tree Person9 treesScore: BMJMargareth James1596–1638Public Tree Person9 treesScore: B
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OJOwen James1600–1639Public Tree PersonParents: Owen James9 treesScore: BOJOwen James1600–1639Public Tree PersonParents: Owen James9 treesScore: B
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JJJoseph James1712–1782Public Tree Person8 treesScore: BJJJoseph James1712–1782Public Tree Person8 treesScore: B
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SJSusan Lavenia James1849–1889Public Tree PersonParents: Zerelda Cole8 treesScore: BSJSusan Lavenia James1849–1889Public Tree PersonParents: Zerelda Cole8 treesScore: B
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TJThomas James1550–1586Public Tree Person6 treesScore: BTJThomas James1550–1586Public Tree Person6 treesScore: B
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GJGiles Jacob James1572–1636Public Tree Person8 treesScore: BGJGiles Jacob James1572–1636Public Tree Person8 treesScore: B
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JJJane Joan James1641–1702Public Tree Person6 treesScore: BJJJane Joan James1641–1702Public Tree Person6 treesScore: B
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MJMary James1809–1877Public Tree Person4 treesScore: BMJMary James1809–1877Public Tree Person4 treesScore: B
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JJJohn James1672–1752Public Tree Person6 treesScore: BJJJohn James1672–1752Public Tree Person6 treesScore: B
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GJGeorge Washington James1846–1928Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BGJGeorge Washington James1846–1928Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
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JJJohn R James1815–1887Public Tree Person6 treesScore: BJJJohn R James1815–1887Public Tree Person6 treesScore: B
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EJElizabeth Ann James1475–1520Public Tree Person6 treesScore: BEJElizabeth Ann James1475–1520Public Tree Person6 treesScore: B
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NJNancy James1713–1746Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BNJNancy James1713–1746Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
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DJDorothy James1562–1615Public Tree Person5 treesScore: BDJDorothy James1562–1615Public Tree Person5 treesScore: B
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RJRichard Reeves James1556–1613Public Tree Person5 treesScore: BRJRichard Reeves James1556–1613Public Tree Person5 treesScore: B
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JJJohn James1709–1778Public Tree Person5 treesScore: BJJJohn James1709–1778Public Tree Person5 treesScore: B
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RJRobert R James1845–1845Public Tree PersonParents: Zerelda Cole5 treesScore: BRJRobert R James1845–1845Public Tree PersonParents: Zerelda Cole5 treesScore: B
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*J* Elizabeth James1562–1621Individual Tree PersonParents: Henry James & Bridget LittletonSpouse: Edmund SmytheChildren: Margaret, Elizabeth, Elizabeth, Sarah, *, MaryScore: A*J* Elizabeth James1562–1621Individual Tree PersonParents: Henry James & Bridget LittletonSpouse: Edmund SmytheChildren: Margaret, Elizabeth, Elizabeth, Sarah, *, MaryScore: A
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?J?? James1933–1993Individual Tree PersonParents: Isom James & Alma RhodenSpouse: James Jr, Ernest StevensScore: A?J?? James1933–1993Individual Tree PersonParents: Isom James & Alma RhodenSpouse: James Jr, Ernest StevensScore: A
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?J? James1921–1974Individual Tree PersonParents: Isom James & Alma RhodenSpouse: Lester BlippusChildren: FranklinScore: A?J? James1921–1974Individual Tree PersonParents: Isom James & Alma RhodenSpouse: Lester BlippusChildren: FranklinScore: A
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❶J❶ WilliamThomas James1690–1772Individual Tree PersonParents: John James & Elizabeth DavisSpouse: ❶ Davis, Mary PawlingChildren: Benjamin, Rebecca, John, Thomas, Elizabeth, William, John, Samuel, Abel, Elizabeth, James, Thomas, Benjamin, Racehl, Samuel, Catherine, ThomasScore: A❶J❶ WilliamThomas James1690–1772Individual Tree PersonParents: John James & Elizabeth DavisSpouse: ❶ Davis, Mary PawlingChildren: Benjamin, Rebecca, John, Thomas, Elizabeth, William, John, Samuel, Abel, Elizabeth, James, Thomas, Benjamin, Racehl, Samuel, Catherine, ThomasScore: A
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AJAaron James1889–1972Individual Tree PersonParents: Aaron James & Julia ReynoldsScore: BAJAaron James1889–1972Individual Tree PersonParents: Aaron James & Julia ReynoldsScore: B
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AJAaron Browning James1858–1945Individual Tree PersonParents: John James & Gemima BrowningScore: BAJAaron Browning James1858–1945Individual Tree PersonParents: John James & Gemima BrowningScore: B
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*J* Nicholas Bristowe Clerk of jewels of King James1537–1616Individual Tree PersonParents: (F) BRISTOWE & Lucy BarleySpouse: Margaret (Bristowe)Children: ElizabethScore: B*J* Nicholas Bristowe Clerk of jewels of King James1537–1616Individual Tree PersonParents: (F) BRISTOWE & Lucy BarleySpouse: Margaret (Bristowe)Children: ElizabethScore: B
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AJAaron Crafton James1941–2007Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas James & Augustine Smith-JamesScore: BAJAaron Crafton James1941–2007Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas James & Augustine Smith-JamesScore: B
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AJAaron Crafton James1941–2007Individual Tree PersonParents: Zaccheus James & Estella Gordon-JamesScore: BAJAaron Crafton James1941–2007Individual Tree PersonParents: Zaccheus James & Estella Gordon-JamesScore: B
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AJA JAMES1810–1820Individual Tree PersonParents: Rev. James & Mary PoorScore: BAJA JAMES1810–1820Individual Tree PersonParents: Rev. James & Mary PoorScore: B
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AJAaron James1754–1819Individual Tree PersonParents: Capt. War & Ann SebastianScore: BAJAaron James1754–1819Individual Tree PersonParents: Capt. War & Ann SebastianScore: B
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9J9ggf William James1620–1680Individual Tree PersonParents: 10ggf James & 10ggm IngoldsbySpouse: 9ggm EatonChildren: MorganScore: B9J9ggf William James1620–1680Individual Tree PersonParents: 10ggf James & 10ggm IngoldsbySpouse: 9ggm EatonChildren: MorganScore: B
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AJAaron Horace James1910–1964Individual Tree PersonParents: William James & Minerva SkeltonChildren: JoyceScore: BAJAaron Horace James1910–1964Individual Tree PersonParents: William James & Minerva SkeltonChildren: JoyceScore: B
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*J* Nicholas Bristowe Clerk of jewels of King James1537–1616Individual Tree PersonParents: (F) BRISTOWE & Lucy BarleyChildren: ElizabethScore: B*J* Nicholas Bristowe Clerk of jewels of King James1537–1616Individual Tree PersonParents: (F) BRISTOWE & Lucy BarleyChildren: ElizabethScore: B
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AJAaron Andrew Jasper James1820–1860Individual Tree PersonParents: Henry Jr & Nancy ChavisScore: CAJAaron Andrew Jasper James1820–1860Individual Tree PersonParents: Henry Jr & Nancy ChavisScore: C
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8J8ggf Morgan James1658–1737Individual Tree PersonParents: William James & 9ggm EatonSpouse: Elizabeth PrytherchChildren: JaneScore: C8J8ggf Morgan James1658–1737Individual Tree PersonParents: William James & 9ggm EatonSpouse: Elizabeth PrytherchChildren: JaneScore: C
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?J? James1852–1854Individual Tree PersonParents: Samuel James & Sarah SoadyScore: C?J? James1852–1854Individual Tree PersonParents: Samuel James & Sarah SoadyScore: C
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*J* Nicholas Bristowe Clerk of jewels of King James1537–1616Individual Tree PersonParents: (F) BRISTOWE & Lucy BarleySpouse: Margaret ButlerChildren: ElizabethScore: C*J* Nicholas Bristowe Clerk of jewels of King James1537–1616Individual Tree PersonParents: (F) BRISTOWE & Lucy BarleySpouse: Margaret ButlerChildren: ElizabethScore: C
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✨J✨ Henrietta Potts James1780–1832Individual Tree PersonParents: ✨ Potts & Anna NuttScore: C✨J✨ Henrietta Potts James1780–1832Individual Tree PersonParents: ✨ Potts & Anna NuttScore: C
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*J* Nicholas Bristowe Clerk of jewels of King James1537–1616Individual Tree PersonParents: (F) BRISTOWE & Lucy BarleySpouse: Margaret BotelerChildren: ElizabethScore: C*J* Nicholas Bristowe Clerk of jewels of King James1537–1616Individual Tree PersonParents: (F) BRISTOWE & Lucy BarleySpouse: Margaret BotelerChildren: ElizabethScore: C
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Tracing Your James Family Lineage
Currently, YourRoots Map does not yet have enough verified historical and migration data to provide a detailed analysis of the James surname. However, we’re continuously expanding our global database using family trees, historical records, and DNA-based connections contributed by our growing community of researchers.
As more data becomes available, this page will be updated to include an in-depth look at the [SURNAME] family’s regional origins, early historical records, and migration patterns across centuries.
Famous People with James (and Their Family Tree)
LeBron James
LeBron Raymone James Sr., known as "King James," is a legendary American basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers. Born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, he is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, a four-time NBA champion, and a 21-time All-Star. James holds numerous accolades, including four NBA MVPs and multiple Olympic gold medals. His career highlights include leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first NBA championship and winning titles with three different teams. He has also garnered wealth through endorsements and is noted for his philanthropic efforts, such as the LeBron James Family Foundation.
LeBron James was born to Gloria Marie James, who was 16 at his birth, in Akron, Ohio. His father, Anthony McClelland, was absent due to a criminal record, leading to a challenging upbringing. To provide stability, Gloria allowed LeBron to live with Frank Walker's family, who introduced him to basketball at age nine.
Bronny James
LeBron Raymone "Bronny" James Jr., born on October 6, 2004, is a professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. As a highly regarded four-star recruit, he was a McDonald's All-American in 2023 and played for the USC Trojans before being drafted by the Lakers in 2024. Bronny made history alongside his father, LeBron James Sr., as the first active father-son duo in the NBA. His career has been marked by impressive achievements and media attention, although it has faced nepotism allegations.
Bronny James was born in Akron, Ohio, to NBA star LeBron James Sr. and Savannah Brinson. He was raised by both parents, who married in 2013. His early life was filled with sports, though his father prohibited football and ice hockey due to safety concerns.
Lily James
Lily James, born Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson, is an acclaimed English actress known for her diverse roles in film and television. She rose to fame with her portrayal of Cinderella in Disney's 2015 live-action adaptation. Her career highlights include roles in "Downton Abbey," "War & Peace," and films like "Baby Driver," "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again," and "Darkest Hour." Notably, her portrayal of Pamela Anderson in "Pam & Tommy" earned her Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, solidifying her status in Hollywood.
Lily was born in Esher, Surrey, to actress Ninette Mantle and musician James "Jamie" Thomson. Her paternal grandmother, Helen Horton, was an American actress, and her maternal grandmother was a French refugee who married a Royal Air Force minister. Lily has two brothers, one older and one younger.
Letitia James
Letitia Ann James is a notable American lawyer and politician currently serving as the Attorney General of New York since 2019. She is recognized for being the first African American and the first woman elected to this position. James, a member of the Democratic Party, has a distinguished career that includes tenure as a public defender, a member of the New York City Council, and the New York City Public Advocate. Her legal action against Donald Trump, resulting in significant penalties, marks a high-profile achievement in her career. James' educational background includes a Juris Doctor degree from Howard University and ongoing studies at Columbia University.
Letitia James was born on October 18, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York. She is one of eight children of Nellie James, originally from Martinsville, Virginia, and Robert James. Raised in Park Slope, Brooklyn, she attended public schools, including Fort Hamilton High School, and later graduated from Lehman College with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Jesse James
Jesse Woodson James (1847–1882) was a notorious American outlaw known for his role as a bank and train robber and leader of the infamous James–Younger Gang. Born in Missouri, James became a legendary figure in the Wild West, gaining fame for his daring heists across the Midwest. His activities during the American Civil War as a Confederate guerilla and his subsequent criminal exploits made him a controversial yet iconic figure, often mistakenly romanticized as a Robin Hood figure. His life and actions have been extensively dramatized, cementing his legacy in American history.
Jesse James was born to Robert S. James, a Baptist minister and farmer, and Zerelda James in Clay County, Missouri, a region with strong Southern ties. After Robert's death during the Gold Rush, Zerelda remarried twice, first to Benjamin Simms and then to Dr. Reuben Samuel, with whom she had four more children. The James family, originally from Kentucky, maintained a Southern cultural influence, owning slaves and farming in the Little Dixie area of Missouri, which was deeply affected by pre-Civil War tensions and the ensuing conflict.
James Surname Meaning, Origin, and History
The surname "James" originates from the given name, which is derived from the Old French variant "James," itself a variant of "Jacomus" from Late Latin, and ultimately from the Hebrew "Yaakov." The name has roots in both the French and English languages, reflecting its evolution through different cultures and linguistic influences.
VIEW MOREWhere to Find Genealogy Records for James
We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the James family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the James surname to learn more.
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