zaro

What is the Most Common Given Name in the World?

Published in Global Names 2 mins read

The most common given name in the world is Muhammad.

Global Prevalence of Muhammad

Globally, an estimated 133,349,300 people bear the name Muhammad, making it the most frequently occurring first name. This widespread prevalence highlights its significant cultural and religious importance across the globe.

Why Muhammad is So Common

The name Muhammad holds profound significance, particularly within the Islamic faith. Its remarkable prevalence can be attributed to several key factors:

  • Religious Devotion: Muhammad is the name of the central prophet and founder of Islam. Many Muslim families name their sons Muhammad out of reverence and to seek blessings, often as a first name or as part of a compound name.
  • Cultural Tradition: Naming conventions in many Muslim-majority regions frequently favor this name, often passed down through generations. It is common for the firstborn son in a family to be named Muhammad.
  • Global Muslim Population: With Islam being the second-largest religion globally, its adherents are spread across numerous countries, contributing to the name's high count across diverse geographies, including the Middle East, North Africa, parts of Asia, and increasingly in Western countries.

Top Given Names Globally

While Muhammad stands out as the most common, other names also appear frequently around the world. Based on recent estimates, the top three most common given names are:

Rank Name Estimated Count
1 Muhammad 133,349,300
2 Maria 61,134,526
3 Nushi 55,898,624

Maria is notably common in many Christian cultures, especially those with Catholic traditions, reflecting reverence for Mary, the mother of Jesus. The prevalence of names like Muhammad and Maria underscores the deep influence of religious and historical figures on naming patterns worldwide.