James vs Kaia

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

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

James Rank #5
Kaia Rank #180

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #180 for Kaia.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

James ___

  • James Alexander
  • James William
  • James Thomas
  • James Edward
  • James Henry
  • James Patrick

Kaia ___

  • Kaia Rose
  • Kaia Jane
  • Kaia Marie
  • Kaia Grace
  • Kaia Lee
  • Kaia Simone

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Kaia

Zara Lena Milo Leo Isla

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 James or Kaia more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Kaia at #180 in the United States.

What do James and Kaia mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Kaia means "earth" (Greek origin).

Are James and Kaia boy or girl names?

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

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