Haley vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Haley

Girl #781 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"hay clearing, hay field"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

American English Irish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#781
Total SSA Count
361
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Hale, Lee

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Haley →

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

Haley Rank #781
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #781 for Haley.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Haley ___

  • Haley Grace
  • Haley Ann
  • Haley Marie
  • Haley Elizabeth
  • Haley Rose
  • Haley Jane

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 Haley

Paige Chloe Tyler Dylan Morgan

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 Haley or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Haley at #781 in the United States.

What do Haley and James mean?

Haley means "hay clearing, hay field" (Old English origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Haley and James boy or girl names?

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

More Comparisons

James vs Haley Haley vs Mazie Haley vs Giuliana Haley vs Solana Haley vs Ellis
← Full profile: Haley ← Full profile: James Browse all baby names