James vs Willa

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
Willa Rank #423

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #423 for Willa.

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

Willa ___

  • Willa Grace
  • Willa Rose
  • Willa Jane
  • Willa Mae
  • Willa Claire
  • Willa Kate

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Willa

Hazel June Cecily Theodore Edmund

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 Willa more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Willa at #423 in the United States.

What do James and Willa mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Willa means "resolute protector" (Germanic origin).

Are James and Willa boy or girl names?

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

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