Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that "Muhammad" has secured its position as the most popular name for baby boys in England and Wales for the second consecutive year in 2024. The name, which has consistently ranked among the top 10 since 2016, reflects significant demographic shifts and evolving naming trends within the United Kingdom.
The specific spelling "Muhammad" was given to over 5,721 boys in 2024, marking a 23% increase from the previous year. While this is the second time a single spelling of the name has topped the charts, analysis suggests that when all variations such as Mohammed and Mohammad are grouped, the name has been the most common for over a decade.
The sustained popularity of "Muhammad" is largely attributed to the increasing size of Muslim communities across the UK, influenced by immigration. Experts, including Professor David Voas, an expert in population studies from the University of Essex, have highlighted the relatively low variance in naming conventions within Muslim families compared to non-Muslim populations, which contributes to a higher concentration of the name.
The ONS compiles its statistics based on the exact spelling of names registered at birth, treating similar names with different spellings as distinct entries. For 2024, Noah was recorded as the second most popular boys' name, while Olivia maintained its position as the most popular name for baby girls in England and Wales.
As noted in a tweet by Andy Ngo, who stated, > ""Muhammad" is again the no. 1 most popular name for boys born in the UK, reflecting the high birth rate for Muslim immigrants. The name has been in the top 10 since 2016," the trend underscores the evolving cultural landscape of the United Kingdom. The consistent presence of "Muhammad" at the top of the list signifies a notable shift in the country's naming patterns and demographic makeup.