Origin
Arabic, from the root ḥ-m-m (ح-م-م) meaning 'hypermia' or 'praise'. The name Mahmood (محمود) is a popular variant of Muhammad, meaning 'praised' or 'worthy of praise'. It is prevalent in Muslim communities globally and has historical significance through its association with Islamic prophet Muhammad. In Australia, it has been adopted primarily within Muslim immigrant communities from South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Meaning
Praiseworthy, commendable. In Australian English contexts, it carries connotations of virtue and admiration, often reflecting cultural pride among Muslim Australians.
Pronunciation
/mɑːˈmuːd/ (Australian English, stress on second syllable, two syllables, 'Mah-mood') , /mɑːˈmuːd/ , with the emphasis on the second syllable, typical pronunciation.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Mahmoud (common alternate spelling)
- Mahmud (less common, variant spelling)
- Muḥammad (more formal, religious context)
Nicknames
- Mahm
- Maha
- Mood
Name Days
- 12 December (Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, celebrated by some Catholic communities in Australia)
- Number of Muslim communities may observe the Islamic lunar dates for Eid or Prophet Muhammad's birthday (Mawlid) rather than Gregorian calendar dates.
- Mawlid (12 Rabi' al-awwal, Islamic lunar calendar, date varies annually)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with mahmood:
- Ahmed and Amina
- Leila and Mustafa
- Fatima and Omar
Fun Facts
- The name Mahmood is often found in historical Islamic texts and literature; famous individuals with the name include Mahmud of Ghazni, the founder of the Ghaznavid Empire.
- In Australia, the name is associated with prominent Muslim community leaders and public figures.
- The name Mahmud is sometimes used as a surname in immigrant communities.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name mahmood:
- Respectful
- Virtuous
- Religious
- Honourable
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a balanced visual structure, with symmetrical consonants and vowels, making it easy to write and pronounce in Australian publications and informal contexts.
Geographical Distribution
Most common in urban centres with significant Muslim populations, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Less common in rural or predominantly non-Muslim areas.
Numerological Significance
Name number 7, associated with introspection, spiritual awareness, and analytical thinking in numerology. Individuals may be seen as thoughtful and introspective.
Astrological Connections
No specific astrological associations are commonly linked to this name, but personal traits align with the traits of the zodiac signs under which individuals are born.
Historical Context
Famous Australian individuals include Mahjabin Mahmud, a community leader, and the name appears frequently in Islamic literary history and the histories of South Asian and Middle Eastern empires, reflecting its historical prestige.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across languages, maintaining its pronunciation and spelling with slight variations, such as Mahmoud or Mahmud, in different cultural contexts.
Famous People Named mahmood
- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (Iranian politician)
- Mahmoud Abbas (Palestinian leader)
- Mahmood (Pakistani singer)
Popularity in Australia
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 |