James vs Lani

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 →

Lani

Girl #1,917 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"royal, majestic"

Origin: Hawaiian

Cultural Roots

Hawaiian Polynesian American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,917
Total SSA Count
104
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Lan

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Lani →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Lani Rank #1,917

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1917 for Lani.

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

Lani ___

  • Lani Rose
  • Lani Mae
  • Lani Grace
  • Lani Claire
  • Lani Jade
  • Lani Pearl

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Lani

Kai Malia Koa Hana Nalu

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 Lani more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Lani at #1917 in the United States.

What do James and Lani mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Lani means "royal, majestic" (Hawaiian origin).

Are James and Lani boy or girl names?

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

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