'Muhammad' ranked most popular boys' name in England

Report: Various spellings add up to 7,549 baby boys with the name; most popular girls' name is Olivia.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
cute baby 311 (photo credit: courtesy)
cute baby 311
(photo credit: courtesy)
The most popular name given to baby boys born England and Wales in 2009 was Muhammad, AFP reported late Wednesday. The surprising announcement was based on official naming records kept by the United Kingdom.
The names Oliver and Jack were ranked most common first names given to boys, respectively.
However, if the different ways of spelling Muhammad (Mohammed, Mohammad, etc.) are added, the name reaches 7,549 baby boys, making it the most popular name in England and Wales, AFP reported.
The most common spelling, Mohammed, was the most popular name in the West Midlands area of Englind, which includes Birmingham, and is the number four baby name in London.
For girls, the most common names in 2009 were Olivia, Ruby, Emily and Sofie, in that order.
"Royal" names have maintained their popularity in England and Wales, with AFP reporting that there were 16 boys named King and 68 Princes, as well as 12 Queenies and 109 Princesses.
The Top 10 Boys' Names:
1. Oliver
2. Jack
3. Harry
4. Alfie
5. Joshua
6. Thomas
7. Charlie
8. William
9. James
10. Daniel
The Top 10 Girls' Names:
1. Olivia
2. Ruby
3. Chloe
4. Emily
5. Sophie
6. Jessica
7. Grace
8. Lily
9. Amelia
10. Evie