Muhammad Becomes the Most Popular Newborn Baby Name in England, Wales for 2nd Time
In 2024 alone, more than 5,721 baby boys were named Muhammad, marking a 23% increase compared to 2023.
The name Muhammad, which means 'praiseworthy' or 'commendable' in Arabic, holds deep religious and cultural significance, as it is most famously associated with the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. Its continued popularity in the UK underscores the growing influence of multicultural communities across the region.
While 'Muhammad' tops the official chart, it's important to note the many spelling variations of the name. The variant 'Mohammed' ranked as the 21st most popular boy's name in 2024, while 'Mohammad' placed 53rd. Altogether, there are over 30 known English spellings of the name, which helps explain its widespread presence across baby name statistics.
The name Muhammad first entered the top 100 baby names in England and Wales during the mid-1980s, and 'Mohammed' had already broken into the top 100 back in 1924, making the name's journey in the UK both long-standing and increasingly significant.
Other popular Muslim names for boys in 2024 included Yusuf (ranked 69th), Musa (73rd), Ibrahim (76th), and Yahya (93rd). These names, rich in Islamic heritage and meaning, further illustrate the expanding diversity in naming trends throughout the country.
Muslim girl names have also made a notable impact on the top 100 list. Layla ranked 56th, followed closely by Maryam (57th) and Fatima (76th). These names reflect both religious roots and growing mainstream appeal.
The rise in the popularity of Muhammad and other Muslim names highlights the changing demographics and evolving cultural landscape of England and Wales. As society becomes more inclusive and multicultural, naming trends like these reflect the values and heritage of an increasingly diverse population.
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