James vs Sheila

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 →

Sheila

Girl #2,010 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"heavenly"

Origin: Irish (via Síle)

Cultural Roots

Irish Australian English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,010
Total SSA Count
97
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Sheil, Lee

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Sheila →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Sheila Rank #2,010

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2010 for Sheila.

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

Sheila ___

  • Sheila Marie
  • Sheila Ann
  • Sheila Kay
  • Sheila Frances
  • Sheila Elizabeth
  • Sheila Catherine

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Sheila

Bridget Colleen Maureen Patrick Declan

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 Sheila more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Sheila at #2010 in the United States.

What do James and Sheila mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Sheila means "heavenly" (Irish (via Síle) origin).

Are James and Sheila boy or girl names?

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

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