Muhammad is the UK’s Favourite Baby Name, Accounting for One in Every 40 Boys
This trend reflects broader demographic changes and cultural influences within British society.
Over the past 30 years, the name Muhammad and its variations have surged in popularity in the UK, culminating in its position as the most favoured name for boys in 2023.
The name Muhammad has not only become a symbol of cultural identity for many families but also reflects changing societal dynamics within the UK. As it now accounts for approximately one in every 40 boys born, its prominence illustrates both a respect for tradition among Muslim communities and an evolving landscape of names in British society
The name Muhammad first entered the top 100 baby names in the UK in 1924 and has consistently appeared in various rankings since then. In recent years, it has seen a significant increase, becoming the most popular name for boys from 2016 to 2021, and reclaiming the top spot in 2022 and 2023 after briefly being surpassed by Noah.
In 2023, over 4,600 boys were named Muhammad, making it the leading choice among parents in England and Wales. This represents a notable rise from previous years, where variations of names like Mohammed and Mohammad also ranked highly within the top 100 names.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has noted that approximately 6.5% of the population identifies as Muslim, which significantly influences naming trends. The increasing size of the Muslim community has likely contributed to the popularity of Muhammad as a traditional name.
Muhammad is traditionally used by Muslim families to honour the Prophet Muhammad, making it a common choice across diverse cultural backgrounds within the Muslim community. Variations in spelling (e.g., Muhammed, Mohamed) reflect this diversity.
Prominent figures such as Olympic athlete Sir Mo Farah and footballer Mohamed Salah may have also contributed to the name’s appeal, showcasing successful individuals who bear this name.
The growing visibility and acceptance of Muslim culture within British society have led to a broader acceptance of names that reflect this heritage. The increase in different names given to boys overall—from about 16,817 in 1996 to over 27,870 by 2015—also indicates a diversification of naming practices.
