James vs Leon

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 →

Leon

Boy #141 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"brave, lion-hearted"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

English German Spanish French Greek

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#141
Total SSA Count
2,547
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Leo, Lee

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Leon →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Leon Rank #141

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #141 for Leon.

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

Leon ___

  • Leon James
  • Leon Alexander
  • Leon Nathaniel
  • Leon Michael
  • Leon Charles
  • Leon Andrew

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Leon

Felix Otto Clara Mia Hugo

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 Leon more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Leon at #141 in the United States.

What do James and Leon mean?

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

Are James and Leon boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Leon is primarily a boy name.

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