Akira vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

James

Boy #5 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"supplanter, one who follows at the heel"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

English Scottish Biblical

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#5
Total SSA Count
11,793
Syllables
1
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Jim, Jimmy, Jamie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for James →

Popularity Comparison

Akira Rank #961
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #961 for Akira.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Akira ___

  • Akira Jade
  • Akira Rose
  • Akira Lynn
  • Akira Elise
  • Akira Noel
  • Akira Sage

James ___

  • James Alexander
  • James William
  • James Thomas
  • James Edward
  • James Henry
  • James Patrick

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Akira

Hiro Kenji Yuki Sora Naomi

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Akira or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Akira at #961 in the United States.

What do Akira and James mean?

Akira means "brilliant, intelligent" (Japanese origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Akira and James boy or girl names?

Akira is primarily a girl name. James is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: Akira ← Full profile: James Browse all baby names