James vs Lawrence

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 →

Lawrence

Boy #510 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"from Laurentum, laurel-crowned"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

Latin English French American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#510
Total SSA Count
596
Syllables
2
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Larry, Laurie, Ren

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Lawrence →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Lawrence Rank #510

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #510 for Lawrence.

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

Lawrence ___

  • Lawrence James
  • Lawrence Edward
  • Lawrence Henry
  • Lawrence William
  • Lawrence Thomas
  • Lawrence Robert

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Lawrence

Edmund Gerald Theodore Margaret Eleanor

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 Lawrence more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Lawrence at #510 in the United States.

What do James and Lawrence mean?

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

Are James and Lawrence boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Lawrence is primarily a boy name.

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