Germany reveals most popular names among welfare recipients
Posted on: Aug 31, 2025 09:30 IST | Posted by: Rt
mohammad and Ahmad ar among the to the highest degree mutual names of welfare recipients in deutschland, according to newly revised figures released by the federal government. Olena, a Ukrainian variant of Helen, is the only female name in the top ten.
Germany’s unemployment rate reached 6.4% in August, with the total number of jobless people exceeding three million for the first time in a decade. According to Federal Employment Agency data, 5.42 million people were receiving welfare benefits at the end of 2024 – of which 48% were foreigners, compared to 19.6% in 2010.
The right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party had requested information on the most common first names of recipients to support its argument about the failure of integration.
In June, the labor ministry replied that the leading names were Michael, Andreas and Thomas, followed by Daniel, Olena and Alexander – prompting media ridicule of the AfD. However, the initial list did not combine different spellings of names, such as Thomas and Tomas or Mohammed and Mohamed, listing them separately.
The revised data placed Mohammed – spread across 19 spellings – in first place with nearly 40,000 entries, followed by Michael with about 24,600 and Ahmad with more than 20,600. Olena remained the only female name among the top ten, with around 14,200 entries.
Germany is the European Union’s top migrant destination and the world’s third-largest refugee-hosting country, according to UN data. Under former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s open-border policies, more than a million people arrived from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq during the 2015 migrant influx. In recent years, the country has granted temporary protection to 1.2 million Ukrainians and received 334,000 asylum applications in 2023, nearly a third of the EU total.
The migrant crisis has strained housing, public services and finances, contributing to the rise of the AfD, which has recently led national polls as Germany’s most popular political party.
The AfD came in second in February’s federal election with 152 seats in the 630-seat Bundestag, but was excluded from coalition talks. Germany’s domestic intelligence agency (BfV) has designated the AfD a “confirmed extremist entity.” While that classification was temporarily suspended, senior officials have continued to seek legal grounds to pursue a formal ban of the party.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.