The Central Statistics Office released statistics on 24 February 2023 regarding the most popular Irish baby names of 2022. The site recorded national rankings as well as popularity in specific regions and cities.
While predictable favourites like Jack and Fiadh topped the national rankings, many people were shocked to discover that the most popular baby boy name in Galway City in 2022 was Muhammad.
While Muhammad ranks as the most popular name for baby boys in Galway City in 2022, Jack was actually the most popular name countywide.
This is the first time that the popular Islamic name has topped a list of baby names in any Irish city.
This follows a trend in the UK and parts of northern Europe as variations of the name are said to have been the most popular baby boy name in the UK for the past six years.
Furthermore, the name has been the most popular name for baby boys in Brussels, Berlin, Malmo in Sweden, and the Parisian suburbs for many years.
Muhammad is an Arabic name that translates directly to “praiseworthy”. There are many variations of the name, including Muhammed, Muhamad, Mohammad, and Mohamed. It has one of the highest numbers of English spelling variations in the world.
The name is believed to be the most popular in the world. By 2014, it was estimated that the name was given to around 150 million boys around the world.
The majority of people with this name lived in the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan.
Looking at the name overall in Ireland, it ranked 86th nationally in 2022, with a total of 72 registered babies being given the name. That year, it was the most popular boy name in Galway City.
The popularity of the name in Galway follows a trend after years of mass migration from predominantly Muslim countries to northern Europe.
For girl names in Galway City, the most popular in 2022 were Lily and Saoirse. Meanwhile, Eabha was the most popular countywide.
Fiadh, Eabha, and Grace were the three most popular names around the country for girls. Anomalies include Zoey as the most popular name in Limerick City, Millie and Mia in Sligo, and Isla in Wicklow.
Jack and Noah dominated the rest of the country. Jack was the most popular in Limerick County and City, Kilkenny, Carlow, Mayo, Cork County, Monaghan, and more.
Noah was the most popular in Cork City, Louth, Sligo, Wicklow, Kerry, Kildare, Waterford City, and Westmeath. You can read the full findings here.
https://meanwhileinireland.com/most-popular-boy-name-in-galway/