‘Muhammad’ cracks top 10 names for baby boys in New York City

Muhammad was tied for the ninth spot in the top 10, according to a report from the New York Post. It was one of the two names to break the top 10 list for the first time ever. When the name topped the list for England and Wales, many pointed to policies on immigration that have allowed many immigrants from Arab countries to settle in the UK.

Dylan also entered the top 10 names for the first time ever alongside Muhammad. The outlet reported that data from the Health Department also showed some trends of people naming their children after mythological characters. Ares, as well as Areuses, were born in the Big Apple in 2023. In addition to this, the "gender-neutral" name Sage grew in popularity. Maximus, Bernard, and Harriet are also growing in popularity.

Muhammad, which means "praiseworthy" or "commendable" in Arabic has grown in popularity since the late 1900s. The spelling has multiple alternatives, but the one on the top 10 list is the same spelling that comes from Muhammad, who is the founder of Islam.

Despite the name making the list, the two names taking the highest rank on the list for the top 10 girls' and boys' names were still reigning supreme. Liam for boys and Emma for girls were the top names in New York City. 382 girls were named Emma and 743 boys were named Liam in 2023. Liam has been the top boy name in the Big Apple since 2016 and Emma has been the top girl name since 2017.

In second for the boy names list was Noah, while Mia was the second most favorite for the girls. “We welcome Emma, Liam, Mia, Noah, and all the other newborns to New York. With your presence, our city is a more joyful, brighter place for the new year and beyond," Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said.