In a remarkable shift in trends, the name Muhammad has claimed the top spot for the most popular baby boy name in the United Kingdom for the first time. The iconic name has now surpassed Noah, which held the number one position for years, and Oliver, which now ranks third.
According to the latest data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), this is a significant change that highlights shifting demographics and cultural influences in the UK.
Muhammad, which means “praiseworthy” or “commendable” in Arabic, is a name widely used in Muslim-majority regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. It is also famously known as the name of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the messenger of Islam.
In the baby girl name rankings, Olivia has managed to maintain its dominance for the eighth consecutive year, with Amelia and Isla securing second and third places, respectively.
The ONS reveals that in 2023, 4,661 boys were named Muhammad in England and Wales, up from 4,177 in 2022. In comparison, Noah now sits at second place, with 4,382 babies given the name, a decrease from 4,586 the previous year. Oliver rounds out the top three.
The ONS, which annually analyzes baby name trends, found notable geographical variations in name popularity. While Olivia remained the top choice for girls in five of the nine regions in England, Muhammad emerged as the most popular boy’s name in four regions of England, although it ranked 63rd in Wales.
This trend highlights the increasing influence of cultural diversity in the UK and shows how names often reflect the multicultural landscape of the country. The rise of Muhammad, combined with the sustained popularity of names like Olivia, Amelia, and Isla, suggests evolving naming preferences that mirror changing societal influences.