Elai vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Elai

Boy #5,159 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"my God"

Origin: Hebrew (אֵלִי)

Cultural Roots

Hebrew Jewish Christian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#5,159
Total SSA Count
19
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
El

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Elai →

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

Elai Rank #5,159
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #5159 for Elai.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Elai ___

  • Elai James
  • Elai Noah
  • Elai Stone
  • Elai River
  • Elai Blue
  • Elai Dean

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 Elai

Eli Enzo Ezra Milo Levi

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 Elai or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Elai at #5159 in the United States.

What do Elai and James mean?

Elai means "my God" (Hebrew (אֵלִי) origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Elai and James boy or girl names?

Elai is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

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