Ishmael

“ישמעאל”

Hebrew origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1491US 2023

120Births / yr

↑Rising

6.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Ishmael

ISHM·ayl

/ˈɪʃm.eɪl/ · stress on ISHM · 2 syllables

“ישמעאל”

Hebrew origin · Boy name

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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How else can you spell Ishmael?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Ishmail

Spelling variant

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

How popular is Ishmael right now?

Rising fast — up 242 spots — currently #1491 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#1491 · Top 1.1%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ishmael

Best Year1995Rank #987

Peak Count148

Average Rank#1507

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1910 - 202326 years

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:

John William James Robert Joseph

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?

Common

Ish

Famous people named Ishmael

Ishmael (historical figure)

Ishmael bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.

Ishmael (historical community leader)

Ishmael led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.

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What names sound and feel like Ishmael?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ishmael also consider these

Hebrew · Wrestles with God

Ishmail

Hebrew · God will hear

Mishael

Hebrew · Who is like

Ismaael

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Michael

Hebrew · Who is like

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.