More than 4,600 boys named Muhammad in the UK in 2023

In England and Wales, Muhammad has officially taken the title of the most popular name for baby boys in 2023, as reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This significant shift in naming trends saw over 4,600 boys given the specific spelling of Muhammad, which represents an increase of almost 500 from the previous year. In total, including other variations of the name, approximately 7,730 boys were named Muhammad or one of its iterations, amounting to about one in every 40 boys born that year. Comparatively, Noah was the second most popular name, with 4,382 boys receiving the name in 2023. The name Muhammad has a deep-rooted history in the UK, entering the top 100 boys' names as early as 1924, but its popularity fluctuated over the decades. The name's prevalence declined significantly during World War II but saw a resurgence starting in the 1960s. The latest growth of the name coincided with increasing numbers of Muslim immigrants and the influence of prominent sporting figures such as Mo Farah, Mohamed Salah, and Muhammad Ali, who have contributed to the name's visibility in popular culture. Historically, Muhammad has outpaced other variations like Mohammed, which first appeared in the top 100 names a century ago but did not regain its previous popularity until recent years. The upward trend for the name started to become evident in the mid-1980s, coinciding with growth in Islamic communities across the UK. Since 2011, Muhammad has held the title of the most common name among newborn boys, indicating a consistent rise. Other notable trends from the 2023 naming statistics include a surge in hyphenated names for girls, while the name Luca saw the largest leap in popularity among boys, moving from 12th to 7th place. Ava, a previously top-ranking name, dropped from 4th to 6th place, reflecting shifting preferences. The influence of contemporary pop culture is showcased by the boost in names like Robbie, which gained visibility due to recent popular films. The diversity and creativity in naming practices highlight an evolving landscape in how children are named in England and Wales, with a significant focus on cultural influence and societal change.