In Islam, the name Mohammed is used both as a title and as a name. Most countries don't have a convention to indicate a title and so the title is adopted as a first name on the birth certificate. The same can be said about the name Sheikh also spelled Sheik, Shayk, Shaikh or Shekh, which means elder.
Thousands of Bangladeshi Muslims (male) use Md., the shorter form of Muhammad, before their names. Although Md. is part of one's name, people never call anyone by this name. For example, Md. Ahmed will be known as Ahmed, and his son, e.g. Md. Ali, known as Ali. When used before names, it is generally abbreviated but always pronounced as Muhammad or Mohammed. Some people abbreviate it as Mohd.
Md. is a way to identify oneself as Muslim by associating him with the name of Prophet Muhammad. Originally, Muslims of this region started using Muhammad with their names sometime in the late 19th century or early 20th century probably as a way of distinction from Hindus who used to use/and still use 'Shree' (an honorific title) before their names as a way of respect.
Because of so many misconception and 'hassles' with the word Md. when Bangladeshis go abroad, even to the Muslim countries, more and more people stopped using Md. before their names. Newborns' names nowadays generally do not include Md. Even schools here discourage students to use Md. with their names during the name registration because of confusion when dealing with foreign countries.
I also read that when applying for a Visa for their pilgrimage to the Hajj, not having the name Mohammed makes the application process more difficult.
This is the reason so many Muslims are named Mohammed, (peace and blessings be upon them.)
