Mohammed is third most popular name for boys in UK

Mohammed is third most popular name for boys in UKLondon, Sep 9 : A survey has revealed that the Muslim name Mohammed is the third most popular name for baby boys in the UK.

According to experts, the number of babies being named Mohammed shows the huge growth in the UK’s Muslim population, and name has also been predicted to reach number 1 within two years, reports the Sun.

The Office for National Statistics has revealed that Jack and Oliver are England and Wales’s most popular boys’ names.

Mohammed came in third when all the different spellings were included, such as Muhammad, Mohamed and Mohammad.

The name, spelt as Mohammed, has become more common among newborns than Thomas or Harry, and it has shot up 18 places over the last year to 16th.

There were 708,711 children born in England and Wales in 2008, with 26,815 boys’ names and 34,043 girls’ names registered.

Jack held the top spot for the second year running, while Olivia became the favourite girls’ name followed by Ruby.

The boys’ name Riley and girls’ name Lexi were the fastest rising in the top 100, with Riley up 24 places to 33, while Lexi, new to the Top 100, rose 40 places to number 73.

Holly was in 22nd spot for 2008 as a whole, but became the most popular in December as Christmas loomed. (ANI)