August 5, 2025 | London, UK — The name Mohammed has officially topped the list of the most popular baby names in England and Wales for 2025, cementing its place as a cultural mainstay and reflecting the country’s growing demographic diversity.
According to newly released data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Mohammed — including its various spellings such as Muhammad, Mohammad, and Muhammed — ranked highest in combined entries, surpassing long-time favourites like Noah, Oliver, and George.
Demographic experts attribute the rise of Mohammed to multiple factors, including the steady growth of the Muslim population in the UK, higher birth rates among Muslim families, and strong cultural traditions of naming children after revered religious figures, particularly the Prophet Muhammad.
“The popularity of the name Mohammed illustrates how deeply rooted Islamic culture has become within British society,” said Dr. Elaine Foster, a population analyst at the University of Manchester. “It’s a reflection of both faith and heritage, passed on from generation to generation.”
The trend was especially prominent in urban centres such as London, Birmingham, Leicester, and Bradford, where multicultural communities continue to thrive. Mohammed has consistently ranked in the top three over the past decade, but 2025 marks a historic first where it tops the overall list across both England and Wales.
The report also notes the rise in other Islamic names such as Yusuf, Ibrahim, Zayn, and Aisha, indicating broader acceptance and integration of Muslim naming traditions within the UK’s social fabric.
As the United Kingdom becomes increasingly diverse, analysts say name trends are likely to continue reflecting the changing face of British identity. The rise of Mohammed as the most popular name signals not just a demographic shift but also an evolving narrative of inclusion and multiculturalism in the nation’s future.
