Mohammed Now London's Most Popular Boys Name

Mohammed has beaten out old favorites like Jack and Oliver to become the most popular name for baby boys in London, the Telegraph reports. British government figures show that the name—when variant spellings like "Muhammed" are included—is more than twice as popular in the British capital as the second favorite, Daniel. The name has already taken first place in other European capitals including Oslo, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen.

"People choose it because of their love of the prophet Mohammed, and they believe the name will bring happiness and abundance," a spokesman for the Muslim Council of Britain explained. "Also because of its meaning—the praised one. Also there is a belief that if you do name your children Mohammed they will follow the good example of the prophet." (More London stories.)