James vs Leighton

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 →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Leighton Rank #395

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #395 for Leighton.

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

Leighton ___

  • Leighton Rose
  • Leighton Grace
  • Leighton Marie
  • Leighton Anne
  • Leighton Jane
  • Leighton Elise

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Leighton

Peyton Parker Blake Harper Avery

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 Leighton more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Leighton at #395 in the United States.

What do James and Leighton mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Leighton means "settlement by the leek garden" (Old English origin).

Are James and Leighton boy or girl names?

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

More Comparisons

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