Move over Smith, Khan soon to reign as Britain’s most popular baby surname

Khan may soon become the most popular surname among British newborns, displacing Smith, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported. — Unsplash pic

First Published: Friday, 16 Oct 2026 7:00 AM MYT

MOSCOW, Oct 16 — Khan may soon become the most popular surname among British newborns, displacing Smith, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported.

The Telegraph newspaper reported that in 2025, 3,772 babies with the surname Khan were born in England and Wales, compared to 4,102 babies born with Smith, the most popular surname in the country, the report said on Wednesday.

Since 2024, Khan has been the second most popular surname, gradually closing the gap with the most traditional British surname. By comparison, 1,877 more babies were given the surname Smith in 2020 than Khan, and only 330 more in 2025, the report noted.

Ahmed, Ali, and Jones were also among the top five most popular surnames in 2025.

According to Office for National Statistics data published in July, Muhammed was the most popular name for boys in England and Wales, holding the top spot for the third year in a row. — Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti