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Muhammad

♂ Boy

Pronounced moo-HAM-ud /mʊˈhæməd/High

Meaning: Praiseworthy, commendable; one who is repeatedly praisedHigh

In 30 seconds: The most widely given name in the world, Muhammad means 'praiseworthy' in Arabic and honours the Prophet of Islam. It is a name of immense spiritual significance, borne by hundreds of millions of men across all continents.
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Origin HighArabic
MeaningPraiseworthy, commendable; one who is repeatedly praised
U.S. rank (2025)#239 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births1,473 boys (0.08% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 21,951

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519292025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Muhammad (مُحَمَّد) is an Arabic name derived from the root hamida (to praise, to commend), with the intensive passive form meaning 'one who is repeatedly praised' or 'praiseworthy.' It is the name of the Prophet Muhammad (c. 570–632 CE), the founder of Islam, whose teachings are recorded in the Quran and Hadith. The name was not common in pre-Islamic Arabia because it was considered presumptuous; after the Prophet's birth it became revered.

The practice of naming sons Muhammad out of devotion to the Prophet has made it by some estimates the most frequently given name in the world. It is used across Arabic-speaking countries, South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Muslim diaspora. In the U.K. it has regularly ranked among the top 10 boys' names.

Did you know? Muhammad is believed to be the most common given name in the world, with estimates suggesting over 150 million men share it — a reflection of the Islamic tradition of naming sons after the Prophet.
Overall data confidence 99%
Behind the Name — Muhammad — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MohammedMohammadMohamedMuhammed

Nicknames

MoMoeHam

Famous Bearers

  • ★Prophet Muhammad (c. 570–632 CE)
    Founder of Islam; the central figure of the Islamic faith whose teachings form the basis of the Quran and Hadith.
  • ★Muhammad Ali (1942–2016)
    American heavyweight boxing champion, widely regarded as the greatest boxer of all time and a civil rights activist.

If you like Muhammad…

Ibrahim— classical Arabic Quranic name of equal spiritual and cultural standing
Omar— beloved Arabic name with the same deep Islamic historical roots
Ali— one of the most revered names in Islam, shared by the Prophet's cousin
Hassan— classic Arabic name meaning 'good, handsome' with similar broad global use

Frequently Asked

What does the name Muhammad mean?

Muhammad is an Arabic name meaning 'praiseworthy' or 'commendable,' from the root hamida (to praise).

How do you pronounce Muhammad?

It is said moo-HAM-ud /mʊˈhæməd/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Muhammad a boy or girl name?

Muhammad is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Muhammad?

Muhammad is consistently among the most popular boys' names globally and ranks in the top 10 in the U.K. and many Muslim-majority countries.