Muhammad is now the most popular name for boys born in Britain.
The Office of National Statistics found that more than 8,000 babies born in 2013 were named a variation of the Muslim prophet’s name, Newsmax reported.
Muhammad was given to 3,499 boys; Mohammed was given to 2,887; Mohammad to 1,059 and Muhammed, to 561. Eighteen other variations of Muhammad make the ONS list, Newsmax said.
In total, 8,006 boys were named Muhammad or its derivatives — compared to the more British-sounding Oliver, bestowed on to 6,949 boys, Newsmax reported.
The Muhammad name trend comes as the Muslim population is sweeping through Britain. An estimated 3 million Muslims now live in the nation.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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