James vs Lila

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 →

Lila

Girl #207 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"divine play"

Origin: Sanskrit

Cultural Roots

English Indian Persian Arabic German

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#207
Total SSA Count
1,475
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Li, Lee

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Lila →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Lila Rank #207

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #207 for Lila.

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

Lila ___

  • Lila Rose
  • Lila Mae
  • Lila Jane
  • Lila Grace
  • Lila Pearl
  • Lila Claire

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Lila

Iris Hazel Flora Jasper Finn

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 Lila more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Lila at #207 in the United States.

What do James and Lila mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Lila means "divine play" (Sanskrit origin).

Are James and Lila boy or girl names?

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

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