Ira vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Ira

Boy #978 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"city of God (alternate interpretation)"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

Jewish American British

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#978
Total SSA Count
230
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Ira →

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

Ira Rank #978
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #978 for Ira.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Ira ___

  • Ira James
  • Ira Michael
  • Ira David
  • Ira Thomas
  • Ira Elliott

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 Ira

Vera Saul Esther Leon Clara

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 Ira or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Ira at #978 in the United States.

What do Ira and James mean?

Ira means "city of God (alternate interpretation)" (Hebrew origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Ira and James boy or girl names?

Ira is primarily a boy name. James is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

James vs Ira Ira vs Ayan Ira vs Kolson Ira vs Dane Ira vs Lyam
← Full profile: Ira ← Full profile: James Browse all baby names