Muhammad is a popular masculine given name of Arabic origin, meaning "praised" or "commended". It is often spelled with various spellings such as Mohammed, Mohammad, Mohamad, and others.
The name Muhammad has its roots in the Semitic languages, and it is composed of the elements "hamd" which means praise and " Abd" which means slave. Therefore, Muhammad can be interpreted to mean "praiseworthy slave of God".
Historically, Muhammad ibn Abdullah was the founder and prophet of Islam, the world's second-largest religion with over 1.8 billion followers. He is revered by Muslims as the messenger of God who received revelations from Him through the angel Gabriel between 610 CE and his death in 632 CE. The name Muhammad has since become one of the most popular names among Muslims, often given to newborn boys in hope that they may emulate the virtues and qualities of the Prophet.
Today, Muhammad is widely recognized as a significant cultural and historical figure beyond just the Muslim community. His name has been adopted by people from diverse backgrounds and cultures around the world, reflecting its positive connotations and prestigious associations. It continues to be one of the most common names among Muslims, with an estimated 150 million people bearing this name globally.
In conclusion, Muhammad is a prominent given name with deep historical roots and significant cultural implications. Its meaning, praiseworthy slave of God, reflects the high esteem in which it is held within the Muslim community and beyond. Despite its religious association, the name Muhammad stands independently as a strong, distinctive, and universally recognized name that transcends borders and cultures.
The name Muhammad experienced a significant increase in popularity over time, with births peaking at 1237 in 2023. The trend shows a steady growth from the late 60s onwards, with notable spikes in the late 70s and early 80s. There was a substantial jump between 1994 (153 births) and 1995 (191 births), marking the beginning of a period of consistent high popularity for the name Muhammad.