Muhammed
/məˈhæmɪd/noun
A variant English spelling of Muhammad, the name of the founder and central prophet of Islam.
Did you know?Muhammad derives from an Arabic intensive form, suggesting not merely someone praised once, but someone praised repeatedly or abundantly.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*ḥ-m-d
“A root associated with being desirable, delightful, or praiseworthy”
Ancient Semitic
Hebrew
ḥ-m-d
“To desire, delight in, or find precious; a related Semitic root”
Pre-Islamic Arabic
Arabic
ḥamida
“To praise or speak approvingly of”
Pre-Islamic Arabic
Arabic
ḥammada
“To praise repeatedly or abundantly”
7th Century
Classical Arabic
Muḥammad
“Much-praised or greatly praised; the personal name of Islam’s prophet”
Middle English period
Latin/Old French
Machometus / Mahumet
“Medieval European forms used for Muhammad”
Modern English
English
Muhammed
“A variant transliteration of Muhammad”