Short names like...

[Currentlyprocrastinating]

We both like the name James. I find it so handsome and classic but maybe underused for babies now a days and more of a middle spot?

Do you think it's too boring or would you be surprised to hear a baby James? Any other alternative short suggestions?

For girls, we like short names, again, that is probably less used. We like Lara and Mae so far. Just putting feelers out for any similar suggestions?

I know a few boys named James. Youngest being 4 months, so I wouldn’t say it’s underused at all. Nothing wrong with the name, if you like it go for it.
Some suggestions -
Ivy
Winnie
Maeve
Olive
Lottie

Ernie
Locky
Theo - I just like this name, apparently popular but I thought I’d just add it in!
Max

I love Ace, I think it’s so cool.

Flynn
Cole
Dash
Nick
Rio
Beau

Taya
Nala
Suki
Una

I don't know of any James under the age of 10 and all the ones I know of are nicknamed Jamie.
If you use Mae I'd definitely spell it May.
Suggestions
Isaac
Owen
Caleb

Molly
Nina
Helena

Nile
Jack
Karl

Grace
Jade

Tess is fab

Kit or Rory for a boy? Lovely and brief.

Faye for a girl is lovely.

For a boy, Quinn?

I love james. Its lovely and timeless. Other boys names. Alex, adam, david, blake, Jack,john,max.Girls short names. Mae, sarah, lucy, Kate, anna, grace,beth.

James is fantastic!

Classic, not faddy, not overused...

I like Lara but not so much Mae. Mae tends to just be used as a middle name or as a second name on a hyphenated name as a filler so I see it as a nothing name really.