Thaindian News

By Gina Gomez
Oct 28, (THAINDIAN NEWS) A recent study has revealed that ‘Mohammad’ has become the most popular name for the new born baby boys in England and Wales in 2009. The study has revealed that the name of the Islamic Prophet came top for the first time and it was given to 7,515 boys and right after that the second most popular name was Oliver (7,364 names). The researchers said that even without multiple spellings Mohammed was the most popular and common boys name in the West Midlands and fourth popular in London.

Dr Justin Gest, an academic at Harvard and the London School of Economics, who also wrote a book named “Apart: Alienated and Engaged Muslims in the West” said that the popularity of ‘Mohammed’ shows Britain’s “diversity” as before there were many Johns and Jacks and now Britain has “plenty” of ‘Mohammed’s. Office for National Statistics’ reports say that there are 3,300 boys called Mohammed, 2,162 named as Muhammad, 1,073 Mohammads and at the same time there are 980 either Mohamed, Mohamad, Muhamed, Mohammod or Muhammed. The media outlets claim that the recent trend of names show the overwhelming popularity of the name rather than population “explosion” of Muslims.

Dr Justin Gest told a reputed media source that the Muslims see Mohammed as “a paragon of excellence” and follow his preachings. However, after Mohammed and Oliver, Harry and Alfie are the two other popular name for the boys. On the other Olivia topped the name of the girls, Ruby and Chloe follows her in popularity. Justine Roberts, co-founder of Mumsnet said that the parents are obsessed about names as they feel it is their great responsibility as they have to make sure their children should not be teased for their nicknames.