James vs Leah

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 →

Leah

Girl #53 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"weary, delicate, languid"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

Hebrew English German French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#53
Total SSA Count
3,969
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Lee, Lea

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Leah →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Leah Rank #53

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #53 for Leah.

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

Leah ___

  • Leah Grace
  • Leah Anne
  • Leah Marie
  • Leah Rose
  • Leah Jane
  • Leah Joy

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Leah

Rachel Jacob Hannah Eli Miriam

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 Leah more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Leah at #53 in the United States.

What do James and Leah mean?

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

Are James and Leah boy or girl names?

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

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