James vs Serena

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 →

Serena

Girl #332 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"tranquil, serene, clear"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

English Italian Spanish American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#332
Total SSA Count
938
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Seri, Rena, Ser

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Serena →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Serena Rank #332

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #332 for Serena.

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

Serena ___

  • Serena Rose
  • Serena Grace
  • Serena Joy
  • Serena Marie
  • Serena Elise

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Serena

Venus Valentina Sebastian Julian Elena

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 Serena more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Serena at #332 in the United States.

What do James and Serena mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Serena means "tranquil, serene, clear" (Latin origin).

Are James and Serena boy or girl names?

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

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