James vs Lakai

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 →

Lakai

Boy #3,289 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"sun and sea (Hawaiian compound)"

Origin: Hawaiian

Cultural Roots

Hawaiian Polynesian American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#3,289
Total SSA Count
36
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Kai, Lak

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Lakai →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Lakai Rank #3,289

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #3289 for Lakai.

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

Lakai ___

  • Lakai Kai
  • Lakai James
  • Lakai Cole
  • Lakai Reef
  • Lakai Blue
  • Lakai Ocean

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Lakai

Kalani Maia Keanu Nalani Hanalei

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 Lakai more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Lakai at #3289 in the United States.

What do James and Lakai mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Lakai means "sun and sea (Hawaiian compound)" (Hawaiian origin).

Are James and Lakai boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Lakai is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

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