James vs Paisley

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 →

Paisley

Girl #61 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"place name: town in Scotland"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Cultural Roots

Scottish American Southern American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#61
Total SSA Count
3,542
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Pais, Lee

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Paisley →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Paisley Rank #61

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #61 for Paisley.

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

Paisley ___

  • Paisley Grace
  • Paisley Rose
  • Paisley Mae
  • Paisley Ann
  • Paisley Jo
  • Paisley Dawn

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Paisley

Addison Harper Mason Hunter Brooklyn

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 Paisley more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Paisley at #61 in the United States.

What do James and Paisley mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Paisley means "place name: town in Scotland" (Scottish Gaelic origin).

Are James and Paisley boy or girl names?

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

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