James vs Kaya

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

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Kaya Rank #968

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #968 for Kaya.

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

Kaya ___

  • Kaya Rose
  • Kaya Jade
  • Kaya Luna
  • Kaya Skye
  • Kaya Wren
  • Kaya Pearl

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Kaya

Zuri Kai Mila River Sage

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 Kaya more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Kaya at #968 in the United States.

What do James and Kaya mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Kaya means "rock, cliff" (Turkish origin).

Are James and Kaya boy or girl names?

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

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