James vs Layden

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 →

Layden

Boy #3,272 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"meadow valley, low ground"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#3,272
Total SSA Count
36
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Lay

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Layden →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Layden Rank #3,272

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #3272 for Layden.

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

Layden ___

  • Layden James
  • Layden Cole
  • Layden Reed
  • Layden Blake
  • Layden Grant
  • Layden Miles

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Layden

Hayden Caiden Brayden Madison Peyton

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 Layden more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Layden at #3272 in the United States.

What do James and Layden mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Layden means "meadow valley, low ground" (Old English origin).

Are James and Layden boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Layden is primarily a boy name.

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