For the first time ever, Muhammad has claimed the top spot as the most popular baby boy name in the United Kingdom, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The name Muhammad surpassed “Noah,” which now ranks as the second most popular name, while “Oliver” took third place. Meanwhile, for baby girls, “Olivia” remained the most popular name for the 8th consecutive year, with “Amelia” and “Isla” securing the second and third spots, respectively.
The ONS releases an annual analysis of baby name trends across England and Wales, offering insights into the most commonly chosen names.
Their 2023 report revealed that 4,661 boys were named Muhammad last year, a significant increase from 4,177 in 2022. Comparatively, 4,382 boys were named Noah in 2023, marking a decline from 4,586 the previous year.
Muhammad, derived from the Arabic root “hammada,” meaning “to praise,” translates to “praiseworthy” or “commendable.” The name holds deep significance in the Muslim world, as it is famously associated with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the messenger of Islam. It remains a common name in countries with significant Muslim populations, including the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.
Geographically, the popularity of names varied across regions. Olivia was the most popular girls’ name in five of England’s nine regions and was also the favorite in Wales. Muhammad was the most popular boys’ name in four English regions but ranked 63rd in Wales.
The findings from the ONS highlight shifting naming trends in the UK, reflecting the diverse cultural and religious influences within the country.
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