James vs Kiera

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 →

Kiera

Girl #982 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"little dark one, dark-complexioned"

Origin: Irish Gaelic

Cultural Roots

Irish English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#982
Total SSA Count
264
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Ki, Kiki

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Kiera →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Kiera Rank #982

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #982 for Kiera.

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

Kiera ___

  • Kiera Rose
  • Kiera Grace
  • Kiera Jane
  • Kiera Marie
  • Kiera Faye

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Kiera

Declan Fiona Liam Aoife Niamh

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 Kiera more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Kiera at #982 in the United States.

What do James and Kiera mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Kiera means "little dark one, dark-complexioned" (Irish Gaelic origin).

Are James and Kiera boy or girl names?

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

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