Meaning
Praised
Linguistic Origin
Arabic
Islamic Classification
Regional Usage
Global Spellings
Alternate Spellings
While popular in Quranic regions, Muhammad has a modern appeal that transcends borders. It is an excellent choice for a modern Muslim family honoring tradition.
Muhammad comes from the Arabic root h-m-d, meaning "to praise." As a passive participle, it means "the praised one" or "highly praised." It is the name of the final Prophet of Islam ﷺ.
Reference Profile
Etymology
Passive participle of the Arabic verb ḥammada (an intensive form of ḥamida, 'to praise'), from the root ح-م-د (ḥ-m-d). The name literally means 'highly praised' or 'the one who is repeatedly praised.'
Islamic Significance
Name of the final prophet in Islam, Muhammad ibn Abdullah (c. 570-632 CE), and traditionally the most commonly given personal name in the Muslim world.
Quranic Connection
Muhammad is named directly four times in the Quran: 3:144, 33:40, 47:2, and 48:29.
Hadith / Historical Connection
As the primary subject of the Sunnah, his recorded sayings and actions form the basis of the major hadith collections, including Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
Notable Historical Usage
Born in Mecca around 570 CE, he is described in Islamic tradition as beginning to receive revelation around age 40 and died in Medina in 632 CE.
Cultural / Regional Usage
Extremely widespread across the Muslim world, often paired with a second name (e.g. Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Yusuf) rather than used alone, partly out of reverence for the name.