Muhammad

“The Praised One”

Arabic origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#272US 2023

1.2kBirths / yr

↑Rising

15.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 192900.06% of births at peak

How to pronounce Muhammad

muhh·AH·mud

/mʊh.ˈɑ.məd/ · stress on AH · 3 syllables

“The Praised One”

Arabic origin · Boy name

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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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

How popular is Muhammad right now?

Rising — up 26 spots — currently #272 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#272 · Top 0.20%

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Muhammad

Best Year2023Rank #272

Peak Count1,240

Average Rank#722

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1970 - 202314 years

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:

Liam Noah Oliver Elijah William

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?

Common

MuhMuhieMuhyAmmad

Famous people named Muhammad

Muhammad (Quranic figure)

Muhammad appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.

Muhammad (Islamic scholar)

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

Muhammad (Sufi mystic)

Muhammad used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.

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 2025

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What names sound and feel like Muhammad?

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

Muhamad

Arabic · Praiseworthy

Central Asia · Praiseworthy

Mohammad

Arabic · Praiseworthy.

Arabic · Long-lived, one who

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.