Mahmoud
A boy's name of Arabic origin with 2,674 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Alternative spelling of Mahmud.
Mahmoud is a boy's baby name of Arabic origin, the praised form of Muhammad, meaning 'praiseworthy' or 'commendable,' from the Arabic root h-m-d. It is one of the most widely used names in the Arab world, borne by presidents, poets, and countless scholars throughout Islamic history.
EtymologyShow more
Mahmoud is cataloged under the Arabic naming tradition. Arabic names frequently carry layered meanings tied to virtue, beauty, or devotion — a naming tradition where the meaning of a name is considered deeply important.
In the U.S., Mahmoud has been recorded as a boy's name since 1968, with 2,674 total births. Browse the Arabic names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Mahmoud was #2121 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #2292, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 285 | #2417 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 669 | #2114 | — |
| 2000s | 691 | #1884 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 661 | #1529 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 268 | #2204 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 90 | #3336 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 10 | #4649 | — |
The Story of Mahmoud
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2018, Mahmoud is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Mahmoud are most likely born between 2008 and 2024.
How rare is Mahmoud?
Only about 1 in every 58,065 babies born in 2024 was named Mahmoud — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1968, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2000s with 691 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Mahmoud by the numbers
- Would fill 56 school buses
- Meeting one Mahmoud per day would take 7.3 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(54 years, 1968–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 62 | #2292 |
| 2023 | 62 | #2283 |
| 2022 | 60 | #2369 |
| 2021 | 47 | #2712 |
| 2020 | 54 | #2429 |
| 2019 | 66 | #2160 |
| 2018 | 91 | #1719 |
| 2017 | 60 | #2229 |
| 2016 | 60 | #2247 |
| 2015 | 72 | #2010 |
| 2014 | 75 | #1935 |
| 2013 | 68 | #2013 |
| 2012 | 73 | #1955 |
| 2011 | 49 | #2533 |
| 2010 | 55 | #2343 |
| 2009 | 66 | #2087 |
| 2008 | 74 | #1941 |
| 2007 | 59 | #2248 |
| 2006 | 68 | #1984 |
| 2005 | 62 | #2028 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mahmoud a boy's or girl's name?
When was Mahmoud most popular?
How popular is the name Mahmoud?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1968–2024