James vs Leslie

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 →

Leslie

Girl #604 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"grey fortress, grey enclosure"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Cultural Roots

Scottish American English Canadian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#604
Total SSA Count
495
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Les, Lee

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Leslie →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Leslie Rank #604

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #604 for Leslie.

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

Leslie ___

  • Leslie Ann
  • Leslie Marie
  • Leslie Jane
  • Leslie Grace
  • Leslie Claire
  • Leslie Hope

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Leslie

Valerie Brenda Shirley Gary Douglas

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 Leslie more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Leslie at #604 in the United States.

What do James and Leslie mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Leslie means "grey fortress, grey enclosure" (Scottish Gaelic origin).

Are James and Leslie boy or girl names?

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

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