Muhammad

Meaning: Its source is an Arabic expression meaning "Praiseworthy."

Languages: This boy's name is used in Arabic.

Alternative Spellings: Muhammed

Variant Forms: Mohamed, Mohammad and Mohammed

Non-English Forms: Mehmet

Popularity: The name Muhammad ranked 625th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics.

Narrative: This name, which comes in a number of forms, is one of the most popular in the Arabic-speaking world. The most famous bearer of the name was the 7th-century religious leader whom Moslems believe was the last prophet and messanger of God.

The term Islam is derived from an Arabic expression that means ''submission (to the will of God).'' Islam is a system of not only religious beliefs, but also social and personal practices.

The millions of people who follow Islam all around the world are known as Moslems. In their daily prayers, they declare two fundamental articles of their faith: La ilaha illa-l-Lan, ''No god but Allah,'' and Muhammadun rasulu-l-Lah, ''Muhammad is the messenger of God.''

Leadership

Muhammad Ali (born 1941)
American heavyweight boxer. Original name: Cassius Clay.
- America''s most beloved athlete of the 20th century (see list of Twenty people who articulate the longings of the last 100 years, exemplifying courage, selflessness, exuberance, superhuman ability and amazing grace)

Science and Philosophy

Muhammad Faris
Cosmonaut.
- On Soyuz TM-3 (1987) (see list of Spaceflight Veterans)

Sports

Muhammad Ali (born 1941)
American heavyweight boxer. Original name: Cassius Clay.
- 1974 Associated Press Athlete of the Year (see list of Associated Press Athletes of the Year)
- 1974 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (see list of Sports Illustrated Sportsmen of the Year)
- Member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame (see list of Modern inductees)