New data from the Office of National Statistics reveals that Muhammed is the most popular baby boy name across Birmingham and the Black Country, dominating five local authority areas in 2025. In Birmingham alone, 598 boys were registered with the name, making it a clear winner in the region.
Regional Overview: A Name That Unites
Muhammed tops the lists for boys in Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, and Wolverhampton. This consistency highlights its widespread appeal across diverse communities. For girls, the top names vary by area, with Fatima leading in Birmingham, Rehmat in Sandwell, and Lily in Dudley.
The data, published by the Office of National Statistics, provides a detailed look at naming trends across the region for 2025. It shows that while Muhammed is dominant for boys, girls' names show more diversity, with multiple names tying for top spots in some areas.
Birmingham: Muhammed and Fatima Lead
In Birmingham, Muhammed was registered 598 times, the highest number in the region. Fatima was the most popular girls' name, with 61 registrations. These figures reflect the city's cultural diversity and naming preferences.
Sandwell: Rehmat Rises for Girls
Sandwell saw 81 Muhammeds registered, the second-highest count in the region. For girls, Rehmat took the top spot with 26 registrations, a unique choice not seen in other areas.
Dudley: Lily Blooms
In Dudley, Muhammed was again the top boys' name with 56 registrations. Lily was the most popular girls' name, with 16 babies given the name, showing a preference for traditional English names.
Walsall: A Tie for Girls
Walsall recorded 68 Muhammeds, continuing the trend. For girls, Freya and Ivy tied for first place, each with 12 registrations, indicating a mix of modern and classic choices.
Wolverhampton: Asees and Olivia Share Top Spot
Wolverhampton had 23 Muhammeds registered, the lowest count among the Black Country areas. For girls, Asees and Olivia both had 13 registrations, showing a blend of cultural and traditional names.
Beyond the Black Country: South Staffordshire and Stafford
In South Staffordshire, George was the most popular boys' name with 11 registrations, while Margot led for girls with 8. In Stafford, Charlie topped the boys' list with 11 registrations, and Lily was the girls' favorite with 10.
These trends illustrate how naming preferences vary across the region, with Muhammed's dominance reflecting the cultural makeup of the urban areas, while more traditional names like George and Charlie appear in rural districts.
