James vs Laurence

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 →

Laurence

Boy #2,194 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"from Laurentum; laurel-crowned"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

French English Irish American Belgian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,194
Total SSA Count
66
Syllables
2
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Larry, Laurie, Lance

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Laurence →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Laurence Rank #2,194

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2194 for Laurence.

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

Laurence ___

  • Laurence James
  • Laurence Michael
  • Laurence Thomas
  • Laurence Edward
  • Laurence Henry
  • Laurence Francis

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Laurence

Margaret Catherine Eleanor Edmund Philip

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 Laurence more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Laurence at #2194 in the United States.

What do James and Laurence mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Laurence means "from Laurentum; laurel-crowned" (Latin origin).

Are James and Laurence boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Laurence is primarily a boy name.

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