What is the origin of the last name Mohammed?

The surname Mohammed is predominantly of Arabic origin, derived from the name Muhammad, which means "praised" or "worthy of praise." This name is significant in Islamic tradition as it is the prophetic name given to the founder of Islam, Prophet Muhammad. As a result, the surname Mohammed or variations such as Mohammad are commonly found among Arabic and Muslim communities worldwide.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Mohammed

The surname Mohammed is derived from the Arabic name Muhammad, which means "praised" or "worthy of praise." This name is highly significant in Islamic tradition as it is the prophetic name given to the founder of Islam, Prophet Muhammad. As a result, the surname Mohammed, Muhammad, or variants like Mohamed, Mohammad, etc., are commonly found among Arabic and Muslim communities worldwide. It is important to note that in Arabic culture, family names typically come before the given name; however, due to Western naming conventions, many people carry the surname Mohammed. The name's popularity can be attributed to its religious significance and the global spread of Islam.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mohammed

The last name Mohammed is predominantly found in regions with significant Muslim populations, primarily within the Arab world. It is most prevalent in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt, where it ranks among the top ten most common surnames. Beyond the Middle East, the name can also be found in various African and Asian countries that have a substantial Muslim presence, including Indonesia, India, Iran, and Nigeria. In Europe, it is more commonly found among immigrants from Muslim-majority countries, particularly those from North Africa and South Asia. In the United States, it ranks as one of the top 50 most common surnames, reflecting immigration from Muslim countries over the past several decades.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mohammed

The last name Mohammed has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common versions include Muhammad, Mohammad, and Mahomet, which are phonetic variants from Arabic. In English-speaking countries, the most common spelling is usually Muhammad or Mohammad. In French, it is often spelled Mahomet. Variations in other languages may also exist due to transliteration from Arabic, such as Mohamed (Spanish), Muhammed (German and Dutch), and Mohamet (Italian). It's important to note that the correct spelling of the name can depend on personal preference, regional customs, or even historical context.

Famous people with the last name Mohammed

Notable individuals with the surname Mohammed include Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Clay), a renowned boxer who won multiple world heavyweight championships and is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. Another well-known figure is Malala Yousafzai, an activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. In politics, Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein is the current King of Jordan. In science, Munir Mohammed was a prominent Egyptian mathematician known for his work in combinatorics and number theory. Lastly, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi was the last Shah of Iran until his overthrow in 1979. These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as sports, activism, politics, and academia.

Genealogical research on the last name Mohammed

The surname Mohammed is predominantly associated with individuals of Arab or Islamic origin. Historically, the name has its roots in the Middle East and North Africa. In Arabic, Muhammad is a prophet's name, considered as the last prophet of Islam by Muslims. The surname may have been taken from this revered name, serving either as an Arabic name itself or indicating ancestry from the Arab world. As a patronymic name, it may also mean "son of Muhammad."

The distribution of the Mohammed/Muhammad surname reflects the historical migration patterns of people from the Middle East and North Africa, with significant populations found in countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and various African nations, as well as in Europe and the Americas due to migrations and diasporas.

In Europe, the name has been anglicized into several forms such as Mohammed, Mohamad, Mohamed, or Muhammed, depending on regional linguistic influences. Overall, the surname Mohammed represents a rich heritage that spans multiple regions and continues to be prevalent globally.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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