James vs Leland

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
Leland Rank #548

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #548 for Leland.

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

Leland ___

  • Leland James
  • Leland Cole
  • Leland Grant
  • Leland Ray
  • Leland Thomas
  • Leland Scott

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Leland

Wyatt Barrett Grady Magnolia Hazel

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 Leland more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Leland at #548 in the United States.

What do James and Leland mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Leland means "meadow land" (Old English origin).

Are James and Leland boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Leland is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

Leland vs James James vs Joseph James vs Adam James vs Alexander James vs Ian
← Full profile: James ← Full profile: Leland Browse all baby names