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Muhammad remains the most popular baby name in the UK

In 2024, over 5,700 boys were named Muhammad, reflecting changing naming trends.

July 31, 2025 at 09:08 AM

Revealed: The top baby names in England and Wales with a 23% rise in Muhammad as it takes number one spot for second year in a row

The rise of the name Muhammad reflects changing trends in baby naming in the UK.

Muhammad remains top baby name in England and Wales after significant rise

The latest baby name statistics from the Office for National Statistics show Muhammad as the most popular name in England and Wales for the second consecutive year. In 2024, 5,721 boys were given the name, marking a 23 percent increase from the previous year. Following Muhammad, the second most popular boys' name was Noah, while Olivia topped the girls' list. The analysis indicates a trend where variations of the name Muhammad together have been the most common choice for over a decade. The popularity of this name can be attributed to larger Muslim communities and notable figures bearing the name, including athletes and cultural icons.

Key Takeaways

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Muhammad is the most popular baby name in England and Wales for 2024.

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The name experienced a 23 percent increase in usage from last year.

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Noah and Olivia follow closely in the list of popular names.

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The rise reflects the growing Muslim population in the UK.

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Sporting figures may influence naming choices significantly.

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Name trends show a balance between tradition and modernity.

"The name means 'praiseworthy' or 'commendable'."

This highlights the cultural and linguistic importance of the name Muhammad.

"Increasing sizes of Muslim communities across the UK fuelled by immigration."

This reflects how societal changes are shaping naming trends.

"Muhammad symbolizes a blend of heritage and modernity."

This underscores the evolving attitudes toward baby naming in England and Wales.

"The ONS only provides statistics based on exact spelling."

This reveals the challenges in analyzing name popularity across variations.

The significance of Muhammad's rise in baby name rankings points to broader cultural changes in the UK. As the Muslim population continues to grow, names like Muhammad symbolize a blend of heritage and modernity. This trend challenges traditional naming patterns and reflects an evolving society that embraces diversity. The consistent popularity of classic names like Olivia, alongside the surge of names such as Ivy and Arlo, suggests a dynamic attitude towards baby naming that fuses tradition with contemporary influences.