For the first time, “Muhammad” has become the most popular name for baby boys in England and Wales, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The name overtook “Noah,” which had been in the top spot in 2022.
‘Muhammad’ leads
In 2023, 4,661 boys were named Muhammad, a significant rise from 4,177 in 2022. In comparison, 4,382 boys were named Noah, making it the second most popular boy’s name, followed by “Oliver” in third place.
“Muhammad” has consistently been among the top 10 names for baby boys in England and Wales since 2016. Variants of the name, such as “Mohammed” (28th) and “Mohammad” (68th), also feature in the top 100. Notably, “Muhammad” was the most popular boys’ name in four out of 10 regions, particularly in the North, West Midlands, and London.
Popular girl names remain the same
For baby girls, ‘Olivia,’ ‘Amelia,’ and ‘Isla’ maintained their positions as the top three names in 2023, unchanged from 2022. “Olivia” has been the favorite girls’ name since 2016.
Pop culture influences baby names
The ONS highlighted the influence of films, music, and pop culture on baby name trends. The summer 2023 blockbuster “Barbenheimer”-featuring Margot Robbie in Barbie and Cillian Murphy in Oppenheimer-inspired a rise in the names ‘Margot’ and ‘Cillian.’
Similarly, pop stars had a significant impact, with names like Elton,’ ‘Kendrick,’ ‘Rihanna,’ ‘Billie,’ ‘Miley,’ and ‘Lana’ becoming more popular, reflecting the influence of Elton John, Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus, and Lana Del Rey.
Royal baby names in the UK see decline
While names linked to royalty, such as ‘Camilla,’ ‘Meghan,’ and ‘Harry,’ are declining in popularity, other unique choices inspired by celebrity culture are gaining traction. Names like ‘Reign,’ ‘Saint,’ and ‘Psalm’-associated with the children of the Kardashian-Jenner family-have risen in prominence.
Names inspired by nature and time, such as ‘Autumn,’ ‘Summer,’ ‘Sunday,’ and ‘Wednesday,’ have also seen an increase in use.
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Several new names entered the top 100 baby names in 2023. For girls, names like Hazel, Lilah, Autumn, Nevaeh, and Raya made their debut, while for boys, names such as Jax, Enzo, and Bodhi were new additions.
A reflection of trends
The ONS data highlights how cultural and social influences play a significant role in shaping baby name preferences, reflecting changes in tastes, lifestyles, and inspirations. Names rooted in tradition continue to hold their charm, while newer, trendier options gain momentum among parents seeking individuality and modernity for their children.
