Mohammed may be top boys' name in Britain

LONDON, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- High birth rates among immigrants from Pakistan and Bangladesh are expected to make Mohammed the most popular boy's name in Britain.

Last year, 5,991 newborn boys were given the name Mohammed, The Daily Telegraph reported. Only Jack, given to 6,928 boys, was more popular, while Thomas dropped to third place.

"Muslim parents like to have something that shows a link with their religion," said Muhammad Anwar, a professor of ethnic studies at Warwick University. "The Muslim population is generally young and you expect a higher birth rate."

The Office of National Statistics said that the high birthrate among some immigrants and the continuing influx of migrants from Eastern Europe have helped push up the British population. The country is expected to have 65 million people by 2017, more than 70 million by 2031.