James vs Maya

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 →

Maya

Girl #51 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"water"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

Indian Hebrew Latin American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#51
Total SSA Count
4,220
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
May

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Maya →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Maya Rank #51

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #51 for Maya.

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

Maya ___

  • Maya Rose
  • Maya Grace
  • Maya Elizabeth
  • Maya Anne
  • Maya Lynn
  • Maya Claire

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Maya

Aria Sofia Luca Noah Zara

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 Maya more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Maya at #51 in the United States.

What do James and Maya mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Maya means "water" (Hebrew origin).

Are James and Maya boy or girl names?

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

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