Most Common First Name in the World: Exploring Global Popularity

Discovering the most common first name in the world is a fascinating journey into global demographics and cultural trends. While the exact answer can vary depending on the source and methodology used, certain names consistently appear at the top of the list. These names often hold significant cultural and historical meanings, reflecting the diverse tapestry of human identity across the globe.
1. **Muhammad:** Arabic origin, meaning "praised" or "commendable." It is the name of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam.
2. **Mohammed:** Arabic origin, same meaning as Muhammad. A variant spelling commonly used in many countries.
3. **Ali:** Arabic origin, meaning "exalted," "noble," or "high." It is a popular name in many Muslim-majority countries.
4. **Zhang:** Chinese origin, meaning "long," "extended," or "to extend." It is a common surname in China and is often used as a first name as well.
5. **Wang:** Chinese origin, meaning "king" or "royal." Another common surname in China, sometimes used as a first name.
6. **Li:** Chinese origin, meaning "plum" or "beautiful." A widespread surname in China, also sometimes used as a first name.
7. **Zhao:** Chinese origin, meaning "sun" or "dawn." A common surname in China, occasionally used as a first name.
8. **Liu:** Chinese origin, meaning "flow," "smooth," or "fluent." Another widespread surname in China, also used as a first name.
9. **Yang:** Chinese origin, meaning "sun," "light," or "sheep." A common surname in China, sometimes used as a first name.
10. **Chen:** Chinese origin, meaning "morning," "dawn," or "to spread." A widespread surname in China, also used as a first name.
11. **Lin:** Chinese origin, meaning "forest" or "wood." A common surname in China, occasionally used as a first name.
12. **Huang:** Chinese origin, meaning "yellow" or "imperial." Another widespread surname in China, sometimes used as a first name.
13. **Wu:** Chinese origin, meaning "martial," "military," or "dance." A common surname in China, occasionally used as a first name.
14. **Zhou:** Chinese origin, meaning "week" or "period." Another widespread surname in China, sometimes used as a first name.
15. **Xu:** Chinese origin, meaning "promise" or "to promise." A common surname in China, occasionally used as a first name.
16. **Sun:** Chinese origin, meaning "sun" or "bright." Another widespread surname in China, sometimes used as a first name.
17. **Ma:** Chinese origin, meaning "horse" or "hemp." A common surname in China, occasionally used as a first name.
18. **Zheng:** Chinese origin, meaning "correct," "upright," or "just." Another widespread surname in China, sometimes used as a first name.
19. **Jiang:** Chinese origin, meaning "river" or "creek." A common surname in China, occasionally used as a first name.
20. **Han:** Chinese origin, meaning "river," "river bank," or "China." Another widespread surname in China, sometimes used as a first name.
21. **David:** Hebrew origin, meaning "beloved" or "friend." It is a popular name in many Western countries.
22. **John:** Hebrew origin, meaning "God is gracious." It is one of the most common names in English-speaking countries.
23. **Mary:** Hebrew origin, meaning "bitter" or "rebellious." It is a common name in many Christian cultures.
24. **Michael:** Hebrew origin, meaning "who is like God?" It is a popular name in many Western countries.
25. **Robert:** German origin, meaning "bright fame." It is a common name in many English-speaking countries.
26. **William:** German origin, meaning "resolute protector." It is a popular name in many English-speaking countries.
27. **James:** Hebrew origin, meaning "supplanter" or "he who takes the place of another." It is a common name in many English-speaking countries.
28. **Joseph:** Hebrew origin, meaning "God will increase." It is a popular name in many Christian cultures.
29. **Christopher:** Greek origin, meaning "bearer of Christ." It is a popular name in many Western countries.
30. **Daniel:** Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my judge." It is a popular name in many Western countries.
31. **Matthew:** Hebrew origin, meaning "gift of God." It is a popular name in many Christian cultures.
32. **Anthony:** Latin origin, meaning "priceless" or "worthy of praise." It is a popular name in many Western countries.
33. **Thomas:** Aramaic origin, meaning "twin." It is a popular name in many Western countries.
34. **Peter:** Greek origin, meaning "stone" or "rock." It is a popular name in many Christian cultures.
35. **Paul:** Latin origin, meaning "small." It is a popular name in many Christian cultures.
36. **Andrew:** Greek origin, meaning "manly" or "strong." It is a popular name in many Christian cultures.
37. **Mark:** Latin origin, meaning "warlike." It is a common name in many English-speaking countries.
38. **Brian:** Irish origin, meaning "strong" or "noble." It is a popular name in many English-speaking countries.
39. **Steven:** Greek origin, meaning "crown" or "wreath." It is a common name in many English-speaking countries.
40. **Richard:** German origin, meaning "powerful ruler." It is a common name in many English-speaking countries.