For the first time ever, Muhammad has become the most popular name for baby boys in England and Wales, according to a new report from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS). This big change happened in 2023, when Muhammad jumped from second place in 2022 to take the top spot!
A total of 4,661 boys were named Muhammad last year, not including different spellings like Mohamed. This name has been in the top 10 for boy names since 2016, but now, it’s officially number one, beating Noah, which held the top spot for several years.
The name Olivia stayed as the most popular name for girls, followed by Amelia and Isla — the same top three names as in 2022.
Why is Muhammad So Popular?
The ONS doesn’t have a clear answer for why Muhammad is becoming so popular, but there are some ideas. One reason could be the growing size of the Muslim community in England and Wales. In the Muslim tradition, many families name their boys after Prophet Muhammad as a sign of respect and honor.
Another reason could be the influence of famous people named Muhammad or Mohamed. For example, Mohamed Salah, a star player for Liverpool Football Club, and Muhammad Ali, the famous boxer, are big names in sports. There’s also Mo Farah, a famous Olympic runner, who could be inspiring families to choose this name.
Growing Muslim Population
In the 2021 census, there were about 3.9 million Muslims living in England and Wales, which is 6.5% of the total population. This number has grown since 2011 when the Muslim population was around 4.9%.
A Tradition That’s Been Around for a Long Time
The popularity of the name Muhammad isn’t a new trend. The name has been in the top 100 boy names for decades, even appearing in the top rankings every year since 1996. In fact, Mohammed was in the top 100 names every 10 years from 1924 to 1994.
Other Interesting Naming Trends in 2023
The ONS also mentioned that popular culture seems to be affecting naming trends. For example, more girls were named Margot after the release of the blockbuster “Barbie” movie, starring actress Margot Robbie.
So, whether it’s because of family traditions, famous people, or cultural influences, the name Muhammad is now the most popular boy’s name in England and Wales, showing how traditions and trends shape the names we choose! 🌟
