James vs Kenna

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 →

Kenna

Girl #724 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"born of fire"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Cultural Roots

Scottish Irish American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#724
Total SSA Count
388
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Ken, Kenny

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Kenna →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Kenna Rank #724

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #724 for Kenna.

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

Kenna ___

  • Kenna Rose
  • Kenna Grace
  • Kenna Marie
  • Kenna Jo
  • Kenna Leigh
  • Kenna Anne

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Kenna

Declan Finn Rory Isla Cora

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 Kenna more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Kenna at #724 in the United States.

What do James and Kenna mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Kenna means "born of fire" (Scottish Gaelic origin).

Are James and Kenna boy or girl names?

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

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