Muhammad Rises in U.S. Baby Names Amid Growing Muslim Population
BabyCenter data shows Muhammad’s popularity surges, reflecting rising Muslim influence in the U.S.
2 min read
According to BabyCenter’s latest rankings, the name Muhammad continues its upward trajectory in U.S. baby naming trends, despite a recent drop in its ranking. The name, which has long been associated with Islamic culture, climbed 222 spots since 2005, from No. 258 to its current position near the top of the list.
Reflecting Immigration Trends
The rise of Muhammad in the rankings mirrors broader demographic changes in the United States, where the Muslim population has grown significantly due to increased immigration from Muslim-majority countries. A March study by the Center for Immigration Studies found that the number of foreign-born residents from such countries increased from 1.8 million in 2000 to 4.1 million in 2024, a 128% rise. This growth has contributed to a more visible presence of Muslim names in American naming traditions.
Frequency Grows Dramatically
While Muhammad’s rank has fluctuated slightly, its frequency has surged dramatically. The name’s share of babies on BabyCenter’s list rose 486.5% from 637 per million in 2005 to 3,736 per million in 2026. This trend highlights a growing cultural shift in naming practices, influenced by the increasing presence of Muslim communities in the U.S.
Other Muslim Names Also See Growth
Other names associated with Muslim communities, like Maryam, have followed a similar trajectory. Maryam rose from No. 313 in 2012 to No. 151 in 2026, with its frequency increasing from 544 per million to 1,244 per million. This trend underscores the broader impact of immigration and cultural integration on American naming traditions.
Immigration Policy Shifts
These naming trends come amid a sharp reversal in federal immigration policy. A September analysis by the Cato Institute found that monthly immigrant visa issuances and refugee admissions for nationals of 45 majority-Muslim countries fell from 21,096 in December 2024 to 808 in February 2026, a 96% decline. While the data reflects changes in immigration policy, it does not account for the religious affiliation of every immigrant.
Changing Trends Over the Years
Muhammad’s rise was particularly pronounced between 2012 and 2019, moving from No. 102 to No. 10 in that period. The name remained near the top 15 through 2020 before slipping to No. 29 in 2021 and No. 35 in 2022. It rebounded to No. 16 in 2023 and remained there in 2024 before reaching No. 19 in 2025. Its latest drop to No. 36 marks a reversal from last year, though its reported frequency remains well above the level recorded in the early 2010s.
Source: Daily Wire
