New information from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that the top baby name for boys in 2023 has changed.
Muhammad has become the most popular baby name in England and Wales.
The name has been in the top 10 since 2016 before becoming the second most popular boy name in 2022.
Now, the Arabic name, which means “praiseworthy” or “commendable”, has overtaken Noah, which was the most popular name in 2021 and 2022.
The data for the most popular names are compiled according to registered live births in England and Wales, and every year the data is analysed to reveal the most popular and unpopular names in the UK.
While the name came out on top in four out of nine regions in England, it was actually ranked 63rd place in Wales.
However, there were 4,661 babies named Muhammad at birth across England and Wales, in comparison to the 4,382 Noahs who were born, and data shows that it was most popular among mums aged 25 and above.
The name, which has various spellings, would have ranked number one in previous years had all the spellings been combined, but last year, ‘Muhammad’ was the one that came out on top.
Despite the various spellings, the data shows that the name as a whole is becoming much more popular across multicultural societies.
Although there was a change in baby boy names, according to the data, the popularity of certain baby girl names remains the same.
The top baby girl name last year was Olivia, remaining the most popular girl name for the eighth year in a row. Amelia and Isla followed behind in second and third place.
