James vs Shai

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 →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Shai Rank #1,087

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1087 for Shai.

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

Shai ___

  • Shai Elijah
  • Shai David
  • Shai Nathan
  • Shai Aaron
  • Shai Michael
  • Shai Benjamin

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Shai

Tal Noa Lior Avery Jonah

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 Shai more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Shai at #1087 in the United States.

What do James and Shai mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Shai means "gift, present" (Hebrew origin).

Are James and Shai boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Shai is primarily a boy name.

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