Cleo 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

Cleo Rank #603
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #603 for Cleo.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Cleo ___

  • Cleo Rose
  • Cleo Jade
  • Cleo Simone
  • Cleo Fleur
  • Cleo Mae
  • Cleo Pearl

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 Cleo

Felix Theo Jasper Iris Phoebe

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 Cleo or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Cleo at #603 in the United States.

What do Cleo and James mean?

Cleo means "glory, fame" (Greek origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Cleo and James boy or girl names?

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

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