James vs Layla

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 →

Layla

Girl #37 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"night, dark beauty"

Origin: Arabic layl meaning night

Cultural Roots

Arabic Persian Hebrew English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#37
Total SSA Count
5,305
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Lay, Layla

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Layla →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Layla Rank #37

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #37 for Layla.

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

Layla ___

  • Layla Rose
  • Layla Grace
  • Layla Mae
  • Layla Jean
  • Layla Anne
  • Layla Claire

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Layla

Zara Sofia Omar Cyrus Nadia

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 Layla more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Layla at #37 in the United States.

What do James and Layla mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Layla means "night, dark beauty" (Arabic layl meaning night origin).

Are James and Layla boy or girl names?

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

More Comparisons

Layla vs James James vs Everett James vs Jonathan James vs Aiden James vs Maverick
← Full profile: James ← Full profile: Layla Browse all baby names