Daryl vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Daryl

Boy #2,002 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"from Airelle (Norman village)"

Origin: Norman French

Cultural Roots

English American French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,002
Total SSA Count
77
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Dar

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Daryl →

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

Daryl Rank #2,002
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2002 for Daryl.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Daryl ___

  • Daryl James
  • Daryl Wayne
  • Daryl Lee
  • Daryl Michael
  • Daryl Eugene
  • Daryl Ray

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 Daryl

Duane Randy Tammy Sheryl Kevin

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 Daryl or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Daryl at #2002 in the United States.

What do Daryl and James mean?

Daryl means "from Airelle (Norman village)" (Norman French origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Daryl and James boy or girl names?

Daryl is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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