The second-most-popular name for newborn boys in the Netherlands in 2022 was Muhammad, according to new figures.
According to data released by the Dutch Social Insurance Bank (SVB) on Thursday, the top name for newborn boys in the country last year was also based in faith – Noah, with 871 – while Emma was the top girl’s name with 677.
Combining the various spellings of the name, Muhammad took second place among the names given to baby boys with 671.
This is a significant development as the Netherlands has seen controversy over blasphemy and freedom of speech related to the depiction of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Despite this, the name Muhammad continues to rise in popularity among parents in the country.
In 2018, the Netherlands was at the center of a blasphemy controversy when the far-right politician Geert Wilders was acquitted of inciting hatred and discrimination for leading a chant calling for fewer Muslims in the country.
