Last Names

Surnames / M

Muhammad

What is the origin of the last name Muhammad?

Arabic and Persian originRank #1,884 in the US

Meaning and origin

The last name Muhammad has its origin in Arabic culture, derived from the personal name of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, meaning "praiseworthy" or "highly praised." It has deep religious and historical significance, as Muhammad is considered the final prophet in Islam. The name became a widespread surname among Muslims worldwide, reflecting reverence and admiration for the Prophet Muhammad and his teachings.

The longer story

The last name "Muhammad" is of Arabic origin and holds great significance in Islamic culture. It is derived from the personal name "Muhammad," which means "praised" or "praiseworthy" in Arabic. This name is primarily associated with the Islamic prophet Muhammad, who founded the religion of Islam in the 7th century.

It is prevalent in many countries with a significant Muslim population, including Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Malaysia.

The use of the surname "Muhammad" often denotes a familial connection or association with someone who bears the personal name "Muhammad." In Muslim communities, it is not uncommon for individuals with the given name "Muhammad" to adopt it as their surname to emphasize their religious identity or to honor the Prophet Muhammad.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.

Similar spellings

#1,884

Muhammad was the 1,884th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 19,076 people, about 6.2 in every 100,000.

Who carries it

  • White (non-Hispanic)2.8%
  • Hispanic or Latino2.7%
  • Black (non-Hispanic)82.9%
  • Asian or Pacific Islander7.5%
  • Two or more races3.8%
  • American Indian or Alaska Native0.3%

Where it is found

Countries linked to Muhammad.

Surnames like Muhammad

Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.

Check the sources

For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.