Mahmud

“praiseworthy”

Arabic origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#10363US 2023

7Births / yr

↓Falling

194All-time births

📅 Since 198000

What does Mahmud mean and where does it come from?

Mahmud (محمود) is derived from the Arabic root H-M-D, which means 'to praise.' It is a traditional Muslim name and has been borne by various notable historical figures, including Mahmud of Ghazni, an 11th-century ruler known for his invasions of the Indian subcontinent and promoting Persian culture.

Cultural significance

Mahmud has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of praiseworthy.

Peak popularity

Reached #5841 in 2018 — currently #10363 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Mahmud?

Mahmud works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Mahmud Grace

How popular is Mahmud right now?

Falling — down 5220 spots — currently #10363 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#10363 · Top 7.6%

1980

2000

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#10363	7	▼ down 5220 · -63% births
2022	#5143	19	▲ up 4222 · +138% births
2021	#9365	8	▼ down 441
2020	#8924	8	▲ up 3650 · +60% births
2015	#12574	5	▲ up 231
2010	#12805	5	▼ down 5688 · -44% births
2000	#7117	9	▲ up 107 · +80% births
1980	#7224	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Mahmud

Best Year2022Rank #5143

Peak Count19

Average Rank#9189

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1980 - 20238 years

The story of Mahmud

Mahmud is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1980. With 194 total births recorded, Mahmud remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #7224 in 1980, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10363 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Mahmud in 2018:

Liam Noah William James Oliver

Mahmud by decade

Mahmud peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1980s	10
1990s	34
2000s	59
2010s ★	83
2020s	8

💎Mahmud has only 194 total recorded births since 1980 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Mahmud?

Common

MahMaAhmud

Famous people named Mahmud

Mahmud (historical Arab ruler)

Mahmud held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.

Mahmud (Islamic scholar)

Mahmud bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.

Mahmud (Arab poet)

Mahmud carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.

Mahmud (historical Arab ruler)

Mahmud held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.

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What names sound and feel like Mahmud?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mahmud also consider these

Mahamud

Somalia · the praised one

Mahmoud

Various Arab countries · Praiseworthy, commendable

Iran · fortunate, happy

Masoud

Iran · Fortunate

Hamud

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Mansur

Arabic · Victorious

How is Mahmud written in other languages?

Pashto), মাহমুদ

Bengali

Common questions about the name Mahmud

What does the name Mahmud mean?

Mahmud means "praiseworthy" — a name rooted in Arabic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Mahmud?

Mahmud is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Mahmud?

Mahmud originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Mahmud a common or rare name?

Mahmud is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

Is Mahmud a classic or a modern name?

Mahmud has Arabic roots that go back many centuries, making it a genuine classic rather than a modern invention. Its staying power across generations reflects its fundamental appeal and the strength of its meaning.