Hayes vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Hayes

Boy #160 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"hedge dweller, from the enclosure"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

English Irish American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#160
Total SSA Count
2,249
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Hay, Haie, Haykins

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Hayes →

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

Hayes Rank #160
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #160 for Hayes.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Hayes ___

  • Hayes Alexander
  • Hayes James
  • Hayes William
  • Hayes Michael
  • Hayes Oliver
  • Hayes Thomas

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 Hayes

Parker Quinn Sawyer Reid Monroe

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 Hayes or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Hayes at #160 in the United States.

What do Hayes and James mean?

Hayes means "hedge dweller, from the enclosure" (Old English origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Hayes and James boy or girl names?

Hayes is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

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