James vs Laila

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 →

Laila

Girl #371 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"night, dark beauty"

Origin: Arabic

Cultural Roots

Arabic Persian Urdu Muslim African American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#371
Total SSA Count
839
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Lai, Lyla, Lee

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Laila →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Laila Rank #371

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #371 for Laila.

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

Laila ___

  • Laila Rose
  • Laila Grace
  • Laila Marie
  • Laila Jade
  • Laila Noor
  • Laila Fatima

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Laila

Zara Amir Yasmine Kareem Nadia

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 Laila more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Laila at #371 in the United States.

What do James and Laila mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Laila means "night, dark beauty" (Arabic origin).

Are James and Laila boy or girl names?

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

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