James vs Lela

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 →

Lela

Girl #2,191 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"night, dark beauty"

Origin: Arabic layl

Cultural Roots

Arabic Persian Turkish African American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,191
Total SSA Count
86
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Lee, Lay

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Lela →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Lela Rank #2,191

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2191 for Lela.

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

Lela ___

  • Lela Rose
  • Lela Marie
  • Lela Grace
  • Lela Jane
  • Lela Noelle
  • Lela Simone

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Lela

Layla Nadia Sana Rania Tariq

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 Lela more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Lela at #2191 in the United States.

What do James and Lela mean?

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

Are James and Lela boy or girl names?

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

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