James vs Leigh

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 →

Leigh

Girl #3,426 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"woodland clearing, meadow"

Origin: Old English leah

Cultural Roots

English American Australian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#3,426
Total SSA Count
46
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Lei, Ley, Leie

Playground Safety Score

15 High Risk

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

Full profile for Leigh →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Leigh Rank #3,426

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #3426 for Leigh.

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

Leigh ___

  • Leigh Anne
  • Leigh Marie
  • Leigh Elizabeth
  • Leigh Rose
  • Leigh Catherine
  • Leigh Frances

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Leigh

Brett Kyle Dawn Glen Brooke

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 Leigh more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Leigh at #3426 in the United States.

What do James and Leigh mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Leigh means "woodland clearing, meadow" (Old English leah origin).

Are James and Leigh boy or girl names?

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

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