James vs Malu

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 →

Malu

Girl #5,304 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"peaceful, calm, shelter"

Origin: Hawaiian/Polynesian

Cultural Roots

Brazilian Portuguese Hawaiian Pacific Islander

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#5,304
Total SSA Count
25
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Mal

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Malu →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Malu Rank #5,304

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #5304 for Malu.

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

Malu ___

  • Malu Sophia
  • Malu Isabela
  • Malu Clara
  • Malu Beatriz
  • Malu Valentina
  • Malu Cecília

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Malu

Bento Luana Cauã Iara Mateus

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 Malu more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Malu at #5304 in the United States.

What do James and Malu mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Malu means "peaceful, calm, shelter" (Hawaiian/Polynesian origin).

Are James and Malu boy or girl names?

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

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