Arlan vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Arlan

Boy #2,775 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"pledge, oath"

Origin: Old Irish

Cultural Roots

American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,775
Total SSA Count
47
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Arl

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Arlan →

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

Arlan Rank #2,775
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2775 for Arlan.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Arlan ___

  • Arlan James
  • Arlan Lee
  • Arlan Ray
  • Arlan Dean
  • Arlan Wayne
  • Arlan Dale

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 Arlan

Harlan Glen Darla Marlene Carla

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 Arlan or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Arlan at #2775 in the United States.

What do Arlan and James mean?

Arlan means "pledge, oath" (Old Irish origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Arlan and James boy or girl names?

Arlan is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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