Muhammad Tops the Charts as Most Popular Baby Boy Name in England and Wales
A New Record for the Name
According to the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS), Muhammad has become the most popular name for baby boys in England and Wales, topping the annual rankings for the first time. This marks a significant milestone for the name, which has been in the top 10 for newly-named boys in England and Wales since 2016.
A Leapfrog Over Noah
Muhammad leapfrogged Noah as the top choice after being the second most popular in 2022. There were 4,661 boys named Muhammad in the two nations last year, according to the ONS. This figure does not include variants such as Mohamed.
Consistency in Girls’ Names
Olivia remained the most popular pick for baby girls, followed by Amelia and Isla – the same top trio as in 2022.
Why Muhammad?
The ONS has previously said it does not have a “definitive answer” for why Muhammad and variants of the name have become so popular in England and Wales. However, it has noted as possible explanations the increasing size of the Muslim community and the dominance of the name within it, compared to a greater variety chosen outside of it. Popular sporting figures named Muhammad and Mohamed, such as Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, boxing legend Muhammad Ali, and Mohamed (Mo) Farah, may also be a factor. It is traditional within the Muslim community to name boys after the prophet of Islam out of respect and honour for him.
A Growing Muslim Community
The latest census for England and Wales in 2021 counted 3.9 million Muslims from a population of 59.6 million – around 6.5 percent of the total. This was up from 2011, when there were 2.7 million Muslims (4.9 percent).
A Long History of Popularity
The ONS noted in 2016 – after Muhammad rose to 12th in the rankings the previous year – that the popularity of the name and its variants was “not such a new phenomenon” in England and Wales. Mohammed featured in the top 100 for boys every 10 years from 1924 to 1994, and every year since 1996, it said.
Other Trends in 2023
Noting other 2023 trends, the ONS added that popular culture appeared to have influenced choices, with a spike in girls named Margot following the mid-year release of the blockbuster film “Barbie”, starring Margot Robbie.
Conclusion
The rise of Muhammad to the top of the charts is a significant milestone, reflecting the growing influence of the Muslim community in England and Wales. The name’s popularity is likely driven by a combination of factors, including the increasing size of the Muslim community and the dominance of the name within it, as well as the influence of popular sporting figures and cultural trends.
FAQs
Q: Why is Muhammad the most popular name for baby boys in England and Wales?
A: The ONS has noted that the increasing size of the Muslim community and the dominance of the name within it, compared to a greater variety chosen outside of it, may be a factor. Popular sporting figures named Muhammad and Mohamed, as well as the traditional practice of naming boys after the prophet of Islam, may also be contributing factors.
Q: How many boys were named Muhammad in England and Wales in 2023?
A: According to the ONS, there were 4,661 boys named Muhammad in the two nations last year.
Q: What is the significance of the name Muhammad in the Muslim community?
A: It is traditional within the Muslim community to name boys after the prophet of Islam out of respect and honour for him.