Mahmud is a name of Arabic origin, derived from the word "mahmud," which means "praised" or "praiseworthy." It is also associated with the Muslim prophet Muhammad, as it was one of his titles. The name Mahmud has a rich history and has been carried by many notable figures throughout time.
The most famous bearer of the name Mahmud was Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, who ruled from 998 to 1030 CE in present-day Afghanistan. He is known for his military conquests and is considered one of the greatest rulers of the Ghaznavid Empire. His reign marked a significant period in Islamic history, as he expanded Muslim influence into India and played a crucial role in the spread of Islam.
Another notable figure with the name Mahmud was the Persian poet and scholar Ferdowsi, who lived from 940 to 1020 CE. He is famous for writing the "Shahnameh," an epic poem that tells the mythical and historical past of Iran. The "Shahnameh" is considered one of the greatest works of Persian literature.
The name Mahmud has also been popular among royals and nobles throughout history, further cementing its status as a prestigious name. Today, Mahmud remains a popular choice among Muslim families around the world who wish to honor Islamic history and culture while giving their child a strong, meaningful name.
The name Mahmud has been a popular choice among parents in the United States over the past four decades, with a total of 228 babies born with this name since 1980. The popularity of the name fluctuated throughout the years, with peaks and valleys in different decades.
In the 1980s, the name Mahmud was relatively uncommon, with only five births each year in 1980 and 1989. However, it started to gain traction in the early 1990s, with six births recorded in both 1992 and 1996-1998.
The 2000s saw a significant increase in the popularity of the name Mahmud, with ten births recorded in 2006 alone. This trend continued into the 2010s, with peaks of fifteen births in 2018 and nineteen births in 2022.
It's worth noting that there were several years with a significant drop in the number of births named Mahmud. For instance, there were only five births each year between 2003-2005 and 2014-2015.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that while the name Mahmud has not consistently ranked among the most popular names in the United States, it has maintained a steady presence since the 1980s. Its popularity has fluctuated over time, with peaks occurring approximately every decade or so.