Muhammad claimed the top spot as the most popular name for baby boys in England and Wales in 2023, overtaking Noah, who had previously held the position with over 4,600 registrations. The UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed the trend, noting that Muhammad has consistently featured in the top 10 baby boys’ names since 2016.
The ONS treats different spellings of the same name as distinct entries, and alternative spellings like Mohammed and Mohammad also ranked within the top 100, further demonstrating the widespread popularity of the name. This indicates the dramatic shift in demography in the region. As of 2021, Muslims comprised 6.5% of the United Kingdom’s total population, amounting to near about four million individuals. London hosts the largest concentration of Muslims in the country, with 15% of the city’s residents identifying with the faith.
For baby girls, Olivia remained the most chosen name, followed by Amelia and Isla. These three names have dominated the top rankings since 2022.
Several names made their first appearance in the top 100 list for 2023. For girls, Lilah, Raya, and Hazel were among the newcomers, while boys’ names Jax, Enzo, and Bodhi debuted on the list.
Pop culture continued to influence baby naming trends, with names inspired by celebrities such as Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey, and the Kardashian-Jenner family, including their children Reign and Saint. Influences from Hollywood also played a role, with names like Margot and Cillian gaining traction, likely linked to stars Margot Robbie and Cillian Murphy.
Music was another significant influence, with names like Miley, Rihanna, Kendrick, and Elton becoming increasingly popular, possibly tied to recent album releases and prominent performances.
Seasonal names such as Autumn and Summer gained ground in 2023, with Autumn ranking 96th and Summer climbing to 86th, a notable rise compared to 2022 but still well below its peak in 2013. Names inspired by days of the week, including Sunday and Wednesday, also saw a boost.
The appeal of royal names continued to wane, with fewer parents choosing names like George, Archie, Harry, Charlotte, Elizabeth, and Charles. This decline reflects a broader trend observed in recent years.
The ONS report highlights how cultural and societal shifts influence naming preferences, with pop culture, seasons, and even weekdays playing a significant role in shaping the choices parents make for their children.
(With inputs from News18)
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