What does Ishmael mean and where does it come from?
Ishmael is of Hebrew origin, with the meaning 'God will hear.' The name appears in religious texts, particularly the Hebrew Bible and the Quran, where Ishmael is recognized as the son of Abraham and Hagar. It's a name that carries deep cultural and religious significance, often used in various forms
Cultural significance
Ishmael has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of ישמעאל.
Peak popularity
Reached #792 in 1912 — currently #1491 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Ishmael?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Ishmael?
Ishmael works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ishmael Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ishmael Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ishmael Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ishmael Claire
French influence · crisp
Ishmael Jane
Literary · strong
Ishmael Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ishmael right now?
Rising fast — up 242 spots — currently #1491 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1491 | 120 | ▲ up 242 · +24% births |
| 2022 | #1733 | 97 | ▼ down 422 · -32% births |
| 2021 | #1311 | 143 | ▼ down 12 · +4% births |
| 2020 | #1299 | 138 | ▼ down 69 · -7% births |
| 2015 | #1230 | 148 | ▲ up 239 · +33% births |
| 2010 | #1469 | 111 | ▼ down 208 · -10% births |
| 2005 | #1261 | 124 | ▼ down 246 · -14% births |
| 2000 | #1015 | 144 | ▼ down 28 · +14% births |
| 1995 | #987 | 126 | ▲ up 189 · +47% births |
| 1990 | #1176 | 86 | ▲ up 68 · +46% births |
| 1985 | #1244 | 59 | ▼ down 2 · +7% births |
| 1980 | #1242 | 55 | ▲ up 108 · +31% births |
| 1975 | #1350 | 42 | ▲ up 785 · +133% births |
| 1970 | #2135 | 18 | ▲ up 246 · +50% births |
| 1965 | #2381 | 12 | — |
The story of Ishmael
Ishmael has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 6,176 total births recorded, Ishmael remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #875 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1491 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Ishmael in 1912:
Ishmael by decade
Ishmael peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 6 | |
| 1890s | 17 | |
| 1900s | 17 | |
| 1910s | 296 | |
| 1920s | 321 | |
| 1930s | 223 | |
| 1940s | 146 | |
| 1950s | 164 | |
| 1960s | 155 | |
| 1970s | 372 | |
| 1980s | 538 | |
| 1990s | 1,233 | |
| 2000s | 1,204 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,346 | |
| 2020s | 138 | |
💎With 6,176 total births, Ishmael is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Ishmael?
Famous people named Ishmael
I(
Ishmael (historical figure)
Ishmael bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
I(
Ishmael (historical community leader)
Ishmael led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Ishmael?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ishmael also consider these
How is Ishmael written in other languages?
יִשְׁמָעֵאל
Ancient Hebrew
Common questions about the name Ishmael
What does the name Ishmael mean?
Ishmael means "ישמעאל" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Ishmael?
Ishmael is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Ishmael?
Ishmael originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Ishmael?
Ishmael is a two-syllable name pronounced IH1 SH M EY0 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ishmael a common or rare name?
Ishmael is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.