Muhammad claimed the top spot for Israeli boys' names in 2024, with 1,740 newborns receiving the name according to data released by Israel's Population and Immigration Authority, though this represents a slight decrease from 1,777 in 2023.
Avigail dominated the girls' category for the second consecutive year, showing remarkable growth with 1,156 babies named, up from 1,038 the previous year, maintaining its position as Israel's most popular female name.
The top three boys' names were Muhammad, followed by Yosef with 1,201 babies and Adam in third place with 1,196 newborns, reflecting Israel's diverse demographic composition among its 181,000 babies born in 2024.
Statistical trends reveal that one in eight Muslim boys in Israel bears the name Muhammad, representing a notable decline from one in six boys two decades ago, indicating shifting naming patterns within the Arab Israeli community.
Miriam secured second place among girls' names with 1,015 babies, demonstrating substantial growth from 867 in 2023, while the name Lavie surged in popularity possibly influenced by Operation "Am Ke'Lavie" that impacted Israeli public consciousness.
