Origin
Arabic - Derived from the root 'h-m-d' meaning 'praise' or 'commendation'. The name Muhammad (مُحَمَّد) is a compound of 'Hamd' (praise) and 'Mu' (an intensifier), meaning 'Praiseworthy'. It is one of the most common names in the Muslim world and has historical significance as the name of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. In Australia, the name is primarily used among Muslim communities with Arabic or Middle Eastern heritage.
Meaning
The literal translation of Muhammad is 'The Praiseworthy' or 'The Celebrated'. In Australian English contexts, it is widely associated with Islamic faith and culture.
Pronunciation
/muˈhæm.əd/ (Australian pronunciation emphasizes the first syllable, with the 'a' as in 'cat') , 'muh-HAM-med'.' , IPA: /mʊˈhæm.əd/ (UK/Australian English).
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- محمد (Arabic script)
- Muhammed
- Mohamed
- Mehmed (Turkish variant)
- Mahmoud (related but distinct)
Nicknames
- Mo
- Momo
Name Days
- 12 Rabīʿ al-ʾAwwal (Islamic calendar, celebrates the birthday of Prophet Muhammad) - date varies annually based on Islamic lunar calendar.
- First Friday of Ramadan (Islamic month of fasting) - varies yearly.
- 6 August (State of Eid al-Adha celebrations in some communities)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with muhammed:
- Ali and Fatima (traditional Islamic names)
- Layla and Omar (popular in Muslim communities in Australia)
- Hassan and Zainab (common sibling pairings)
Fun Facts
- Muhammad is one of the top 10 most popular boys' names in recent Australian Muslim community births.
- The name has seen a rise in popularity in multicultural Australia due to increasing diversity.
- Many Australian Muslims choose to name their children Muhammad followed by additional names, e.g., Muhammad Omar.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name muhammed:
- respectful
- religious
- family-oriented
- courteous
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a balanced, traditional look with vowels that convey dignity and respect in Roman script. It is often used in full form or with respectful titles in Australia.
Geographical Distribution
Most common in metropolitan Islamic communities across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane; moderate presence in regional centres with Muslim populations.
Numerological Significance
Name number 9 (according to Pythagorean numerology), associated with humanitarianism and idealism, aligning with traits of respect and justice in contexts.
Astrological Connections
Not directly associated with any astrological sign but often considered auspicious in Islamic traditions, which can influence personal or family choices.
Historical Context
The name is deeply rooted in Islamic history and is borne by numerous historical and contemporary figures across Muslim-majority countries. In Australia, it is strongly associated with cultural identity within the Muslim community.
Linguistic Adaptability
Readily adapted into various scripts and spellings across different languages, such as Mehmood in South Asia or Mohamed in North Africa. The core of the name remains recognisable internationally.
Famous People Named muhammed
- Muhammad Ali (Boxer)
- Muhammad Atta (Pilots involved in 9/11) (note: not culturally celebrated)
- Muhammad Yunus (Nobel Peace Prize laureate)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2016 | 2 |
2014 | 1 |