MUHAMMAD BECOMES MOST POPULAR NAME FOR BOYS IN UK

London, 9 Safar 1436/2 December 2014 (MINA) – A new list for the top 100 baby names for boys in the UK has shown the name of Islam’s Prophet (peace be upon him) at the top, knocking off royal names off the top spot.

“Traditionally, Muhammad is often the name given to the first-born boy in Muslim families,” Sarah Redshaw, managing editor of BabyCentre, told The Telegraph on Monday, December 1., Onislam.net quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

“With the increase of other Arabic names plus Aarav, an Indian boys’ name, the top 100 shows the ever-increasing diversity of the UK today.”

According to the website BabyCenter, Arabic names have seen a huge surge over the past decades.

Since 1970s, the name of Muhammad, also written as Mohammad, has become the most popular baby name in the UK, jumping 27 places up to knock royal names from the top.

Along with Muhammad, other Arabic names have also witnessed a huge increase in popularity in 2014.

Maryam is the biggest riser for girls, jumping 59 places to number 35, Nur is a new entry at number 29, while Omar, Ali, and Ibrahim are all new to the boys’ top 100.

The chart is based on the 56,157 babies born this year and registered to the Babycentre website.

Britain is home to a sizable Muslim minority of nearly 2.7 million, mainly from Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani origin.

The name of Muhammed has grown in popularity in recent years.

In 2013, the name Muhammad became the most popular name for newborn babies in England and Wales.

In 2009, the name of the Prophet became the most popular name for newborn babies in England and Wales.

Mohamed came third as the most popular name in Britain in 2008. (T/P008/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)