James vs Kayla

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
Kayla Rank #336

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #336 for Kayla.

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

Kayla ___

  • Kayla Marie
  • Kayla Ann
  • Kayla Grace
  • Kayla Elizabeth
  • Kayla Rose
  • Kayla Nicole

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Kayla

Brianna Taylor Tyler Dylan Madison

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 Kayla more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Kayla at #336 in the United States.

What do James and Kayla mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Kayla means "crown of laurels" (Hebrew origin).

Are James and Kayla boy or girl names?

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

More Comparisons

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