Ishmeal

“God will hear”

Hebrew origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1831US 2023

369Births / yr

→Stable

301All-time births

📅 Since 191600

How to pronounce Ishmeal

ISHM·EEL

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

“God will hear”

Hebrew origin · Boy name

What does Ishmeal mean and where does it come from?

Ishmeal (ישמעאל) is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from 'Yishma'el'. It is biblically significant, as Ishmael is a notable figure in the Torah, recognized as the son of Abraham and Hagar. The name has appeared throughout history in various forms and is prevalent in both Jewish and Islamic traditio

Cultural significance

Ishmeal has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god will hear.

Peak popularity

Reached #2922 in 1916 — currently #1831 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Ishmeal?

Ishmeal works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Ishmeal Grace

How popular is Ishmeal right now?

Holding steady — currently #1831 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#1831 · Top 1.4%

1970

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1831	369	▲ up 5 · +6% births
2022	#1836	349	▲ up 5 · +9% births
2021	#1841	319	▲ up 10376 · +6280% births
2015	#12217	5	▼ down 2423 · -29% births
2010	#9794	7	▲ up 1845 · +40% births
2005	#11639	5	▼ down 3321 · -29% births
2000	#8318	7	▼ down 2738 · -30% births
1995	#5580	10	▲ up 351 · +25% births
1990	#5931	8	▼ down 962 · +60% births
1970	#4969	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ishmeal

Best Year2023Rank #1831

Peak Count369

Average Rank#6396

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1970 - 202310 years

The story of Ishmeal

Ishmeal entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 301 total births recorded, Ishmeal remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4969 in 1970 to #1831 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ishmeal in 1916:

John William James Robert Joseph

Ishmeal by decade

Ishmeal peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	17
1920s	37
1930s	12
1940s	11
1960s	10
1970s	5
1980s	41
1990s ★	91
2000s	58
2010s	19

💎Ishmeal has only 301 total recorded births since 1916 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Ishmeal?

Common

Ish

Famous people named Ishmeal

Ishmeal (historical figure)

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

👑

Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Ishmeal?

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

Ismeal

Arabic · God will hear

Ishal

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Ishmel

Hebrew · God hears

Ishmaan

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Isreal

American · to struggle with

Iseral

Hebrew · Hebrew

Iseabal

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Eshmaal

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Common questions about the name Ishmeal

What does the name Ishmeal mean?

Ishmeal means "God will hear" — 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 Ishmeal?

Ishmeal is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Ishmeal?

Ishmeal 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 Ishmeal?

Ishmeal is a two-syllable name pronounced IH1 SH M IY1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Ishmeal a common or rare name?

Ishmeal is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.