By For the first time ever, the name “Muhammad” has made it to the list of top 10 baby names in the U.S., according to parenting website, “BabyCenter.” Say whaaat?! The name attributed to our beloved Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him); the name bestowed on so many of our brothers in homage to the man considered to be the seal upon our line of prophets, has made it to a national list of U.S. baby names! According to the list, “Muhammad” falls at number 10.
“Muslim families often choose Muhammad for firstborn sons to honor the prophet and bring blessings to the child,” Linda Murray, BabyCenter’s global editor-in-chief, said in a news release. “The name also has multiple spellings, and that helps a name get into the top 10.”
The Pew Research Center stated that there are roughly 3.45 million Muslims in the U.S., so it is nice to know that we are being recognized and acknowledged in a sense. Correction, it isn’t just nice; it’s a necessity!
According to BabyCenter, Arabic-origin names are becoming increasingly more popular. This year, one of the top 10 names gracing the list for girls is “Aaliyah,” which means “exalted” in Arabic. The name “Aaliyah” knocked “Layla,” another Arabic name, off the top 10. Now, while those with biases and bigoted opinions may frame this as Muslims “taking over,” we say it’s about time Muslims are recognized in the U.S. This isn’t about Muslims “taking over.” This is about a ubiquitous group that makes up a major part of the fabric of society in the United States. We, as a group, are here. We are American. We deserve to be acknowledged as Americans, not as outsiders.
The Pew Research Center stated that there are roughly 3.45 million Muslims in the U.S., so it is nice to know that we are being recognized and acknowledged in a sense. Correction, it isn’t just nice; it’s a necessity!
If you’re interested, these are the name rankings for 2019, courtesy of BabyCenter. As the years go on, keep an eye on the list. Perhaps in a few years, a Muslim name will be listed as #1:
