Most Popular First Name in the World: A Global Exploration

Finding the most popular first name in the world is a fascinating quest. While pinpointing a single name that reigns supreme across all countries is impossible due to diverse cultural preferences, certain names consistently emerge as top contenders. Let's delve into a global exploration of the most popular first names, uncovering their origins and meanings.
1. **Muhammad:** Arabic origin, meaning "praised," "commendable," or "worthy of praise." It is the most popular name in the world, particularly in Muslim-majority countries.
2. **Sophia:** Greek origin, meaning "wisdom." It is a popular choice worldwide, with a strong presence in many European countries and the United States.
3. **Olivia:** Latin origin, meaning "olive tree," symbolizing peace and prosperity. It has gained popularity in many Western countries, including the United States and the UK.
4. **Emma:** German origin, meaning "universal" or "whole." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in Europe and North America.
5. **Noah:** Hebrew origin, meaning "rest" or "comfort." It is a popular choice in the United States and many other countries.
6. **Ethan:** Hebrew origin, meaning "strong" or "firm." It is a popular choice in the United States and other Western countries.
7. **Ava:** Latin origin, meaning "bird." It is a popular choice in the United States and other Western countries.
8. **Isabella:** Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my oath." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in Europe and North America.
9. **Liam:** Irish origin, meaning "strong-willed warrior." It is a popular choice in the United States and other Western countries.
10. **Mia:** Italian origin, meaning "mine." It is a popular choice in the United States and other Western countries.
11. **Aisha:** Arabic origin, meaning "alive" or "living." It is a popular choice in many Muslim-majority countries.
12. **James:** Hebrew origin, meaning "supplanter" or "he who will succeed." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
13. **John:** Hebrew origin, meaning "God is gracious." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
14. **William:** German origin, meaning "resolute protector" or "helmet of protection." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
15. **David:** Hebrew origin, meaning "beloved." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
16. **Daniel:** Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my judge." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
17. **Matthew:** Hebrew origin, meaning "gift of God." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
18. **Michael:** Hebrew origin, meaning "who is like God?" It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
19. **Elizabeth:** Hebrew origin, meaning "my God is abundance." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
20. **Mary:** Hebrew origin, meaning "bitter" or "rebellious." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
21. **Emily:** German origin, meaning "industrious" or "rival." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
22. **Abigail:** Hebrew origin, meaning "my father is joy." It is a popular choice in the United States and other Western countries.
23. **Charlotte:** French origin, meaning "free man." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
24. **Chloe:** Greek origin, meaning "blooming" or "green shoot." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
25. **Benjamin:** Hebrew origin, meaning "son of my right hand." It is a popular choice in the United States and other Western countries.
26. **Evelyn:** French origin, meaning "wished for" or "bird." It is a popular choice in the United States and other Western countries.
27. **Alexander:** Greek origin, meaning "defender of mankind." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
28. **Sofia:** Greek origin, meaning "wisdom." It is a popular choice in many European countries and the United States.
29. **Alice:** German origin, meaning "noble" or "truth." It is a popular choice in many European countries and the United States.
30. **Hannah:** Hebrew origin, meaning "grace" or "favor." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the United States and the UK.
31. **Grace:** Latin origin, meaning "favor" or "grace." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the United States and the UK.
32. **Jack:** Hebrew origin, meaning "God is gracious." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
33. **Thomas:** Aramaic origin, meaning "twin." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
34. **Henry:** German origin, meaning "ruler of the house" or "home ruler." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
35. **George:** Greek origin, meaning "farmer." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
36. **Joseph:** Hebrew origin, meaning "God will increase." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
37. **Victoria:** Latin origin, meaning "victory." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
38. **Ashley:** English origin, meaning "ash tree meadow." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the United States and the UK.
39. **Madison:** English origin, meaning "son of Matthew." It is a popular choice in the United States and other Western countries.
40. **Logan:** Scottish origin, meaning "hollow." It is a popular choice in the United States and other Western countries.
41. **Lucas:** Latin origin, meaning "bringer of light." It is a popular choice in the United States and other Western countries.
42. **Amelia:** German origin, meaning "industrious" or "rival." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the UK and the United States.
43. **Evelyn:** French origin, meaning "wished for" or "bird." It is a popular choice in the United States and other Western countries.
44. **Harper:** English origin, meaning "harp player." It is a popular choice in the United States and other Western countries.
45. **Ella:** English origin, meaning "beautiful fairy." It is a popular choice in many Western countries, with a strong presence in the United States and the UK.