James vs Kira

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
Kira Rank #455

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #455 for Kira.

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

Kira ___

  • Kira Grace
  • Kira Lynn
  • Kira Rose
  • Kira Marie
  • Kira Nicole
  • Kira Jane

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Kira

Zara Nadia Lena Ivan Leo

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 Kira more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Kira at #455 in the United States.

What do James and Kira mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Kira means "sunlight, beam of light" (Persian origin).

Are James and Kira boy or girl names?

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

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