Meaning & History
Mohammed is a variant transcription of the Arabic name Muhammad, directly associated with the Islamic prophet. It appears in Arabic as محمّد (Muhammad) and in Bengali as মুহাম্মদ (Mohammad), both meaning "praised" or "commendable" (see Muhammad). The name is widespread in the Muslim world, particularly in Arabic- and Bengali-speaking regions.
Etymology
The name derives from the Arabic root ḥamida (to praise), with the passive participle form meaning "praised one." It is the name of the Prophet Muhammad (c. 570–632 CE), founder of Islam. According to Islamic tradition, at age 40 he received divine revelations from the angel Gabriel, which later formed the Quran. He conquered Mecca and unified the Arabian Peninsula under Islam before his death in 632.
Historical and Cultural Significance
After the Prophet's time, the name became immensely popular among Muslims. It was borne by several Abbasid caliphs and six Ottoman sultans (often in the Turkish spelling Mehmet). Other notable historical figures include the mathematician Al-Khwarizmi (9th century), the scholar Averroes (1126–1198), and the poet Jalal ad-Din Rumi (1207–1273). Modern bearers include Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876–1948), founder of Pakistan, and the boxer Muhammad Ali (1942–2016).
Variants and Usage
Variant forms include Mohamad, Mohamed, Mohammad, Mahomet (archaic), and others. In Turkish, the form Mehmet is common; in Albanian Muhamet; in Uzbek, Muhammad; in Malay, Muhamad. The spelling "Mohammed" is widely used in English transliteration.
- Meaning: “Praised, commendable”
- Origin: Arabic (root ḥamida)
- Type: First name
- Usage regions: Arabic-speaking countries, Bengal, worldwide Muslim communities
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Muhammad