What does Muhammad mean and where does it come from?
Muhammad (مُحَمَّد) is one of the most famous names in the world, created from the Arabic root 'ḥ-m-d' meaning 'to thank' or 'to praise'. The name gained prominence due to the Prophet Muhammad (c. 570-632 CE), who is regarded as the founder of Islam and is believed to be the last prophet in a long l
Cultural significance
Muhammad has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the praised one.
Peak popularity
Reached #309 in 2020 — currently #272 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Muhammad?
Muhammad works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Muhammad Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Muhammad Rose
Floral · soft ending
Muhammad Mae
Sweet · timeless
Muhammad Claire
French influence · crisp
Muhammad Jane
Literary · strong
Muhammad Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Muhammad right now?
Rising — up 26 spots — currently #272 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #272 | 1,240 | ▲ up 26 · +7% births |
| 2022 | #298 | 1,155 | ▲ up 9 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #307 | 1,085 | ▲ up 2 · +3% births |
| 2020 | #309 | 1,056 | ▲ up 56 · +20% births |
| 2015 | #365 | 882 | ▲ up 141 · +73% births |
| 2010 | #506 | 510 | ▲ up 186 · +71% births |
| 2005 | #692 | 299 | ▼ down 73 · -1% births |
| 2000 | #619 | 303 | ▲ up 158 · +59% births |
| 1995 | #777 | 191 | ▲ up 254 · +80% births |
| 1990 | #1031 | 106 | ▼ down 122 · +6% births |
| 1985 | #909 | 100 | ▲ up 83 · +20% births |
| 1980 | #992 | 83 | ▲ up 150 · +51% births |
| 1975 | #1142 | 55 | ▲ up 741 · +139% births |
| 1970 | #1883 | 23 | — |
The story of Muhammad
Muhammad entered American naming records in 1929 and has been in use for over 95 years. A total of 15,538 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1883 in 1970 to #272 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Muhammad in 2020:
Muhammad by decade
Muhammad peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1940s | 10 | |
| 1960s | 52 | |
| 1970s | 525 | |
| 1980s | 1,021 | |
| 1990s | 1,718 | |
| 2000s | 3,356 | |
| 2010s ★ | 7,795 | |
| 2020s | 1,056 | |
What are good nicknames for Muhammad?
Famous people named Muhammad
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Muhammad (Quranic figure)
Muhammad appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
M(
Muhammad (Islamic scholar)
Muhammad bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
M(
Muhammad (Sufi mystic)
Muhammad used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
M(
Muhammad (Islamic scholar)
Muhammad bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Muhammad?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Muhammad also consider these
How is Muhammad written in other languages?
Pashto), মুহাম্মদ
Bengali), Муҳаммад (Tajik
Common questions about the name Muhammad
What does the name Muhammad mean?
Muhammad means "The Praised One" — 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 Muhammad?
Muhammad is currently ranked #272 in the United States as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Muhammad have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Muhammad?
Muhammad 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.
How do you pronounce the name Muhammad?
Muhammad is a three-syllable name pronounced M UH0 HH AA1 M AH0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Muhammad?
Muhammad pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Arabic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.