James vs Leo

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 →

Leo

Boy #24 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"lion-hearted, brave"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

English Italian German French American Spanish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#24
Total SSA Count
7,793
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Leo →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Leo Rank #24

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #24 for Leo.

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

Leo ___

  • Leo James
  • Leo Thomas
  • Leo Alexander
  • Leo Cole
  • Leo Grey
  • Leo Xavier

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Leo

Luna Isla Mia Oscar Violet

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 Leo more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Leo at #24 in the United States.

What do James and Leo mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Leo means "lion-hearted, brave" (Latin origin).

Are James and Leo boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Leo is primarily a boy name.

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