Is naming a newborn baby a father's right or a mother's?

Q: Is naming a newborn baby a father's right or a mother's? If the woman gives her baby a name other than that picked by his father without his knowledge, which of the two names will count? What is the ruling on changing the name, Muhammad to any other Muslim name? Benefit us with your knowledge, may Allah reward you with the best!

A: Naming the newborn baby is the father's right, and he must pick a good name for his baby. In addition, it is a Sunnah (action following the teachings of the Prophet) to change a bad name to a good one, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) did with (Part No. 10; Page No. 480) some Companions. One is also permitted to change the name "Muhammad" to another name, and if one bears a forbidden name like that suggesting one's servitude to other than Allah, ex.`Abdul Naby (lit. Servant of the Prophet), it must be changed.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.