Khan could soon overtake Smith as the most common surname among newborns in England and Wales. According to an analysis by The Telegraph, 3,772 babies were registered with the surname Khan in 2025, compared with 4,102 named Smith. If current trends continue, Khan could take the lead by 2027.
A surname, of course, tells us nothing certain about an individual’s beliefs. But let’s not kid ourselves, Khan is a common Muslim surname. These figures highlight Britain’s changing population and they raise important questions. Christians must respond with both evangelistic concern and political realism.
Our Muslim neighbours need the gospel. Like all people, they are made in God’s image and need salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman despite deep religious divisions (John 4:7–26), and commanded his disciples to ‘make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:19).
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