James vs Lea

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 →

Lea

Girl #834 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"weary"

Origin: Hebrew Leah

Cultural Roots

French Italian Spanish German Hebrew American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#834
Total SSA Count
324
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

15 High Risk

{:type=>:rhyme, :severity=>:medium, :message=>"'Lea' rhymes with 'pee'"}

Full profile for Lea →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Lea Rank #834

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #834 for Lea.

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

Lea ___

  • Lea Marie
  • Lea Sophie
  • Lea Grace
  • Lea Victoria
  • Lea Claire
  • Lea Simone

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Lea

Mia Ines Chloe Sophie Hugo

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 Lea more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Lea at #834 in the United States.

What do James and Lea mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Lea means "weary" (Hebrew Leah origin).

Are James and Lea boy or girl names?

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

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