What does Ismael mean and where does it come from?
Ismael is derived from the Hebrew name ישמעאל (Yishma'el), which translates to 'God will hear.' The name is well-known in various cultures and has been used both for males and females, although primarily male. Historically, Ismael is a biblical figure, the son of Abraham and Hagar. The name is popul
Cultural significance
Ismael has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #8145 in 1983 — currently #244 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Ismael?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Ismael?
Ismael works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ismael Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ismael Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ismael Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ismael Claire
French influence · crisp
Ismael Jane
Literary · strong
Ismael Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ismael right now?
Rising fast — up 68 spots — currently #244 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #244 | 1,425 | ▲ up 68 · +32% births |
| 2022 | #312 | 1,076 | ▲ up 39 · +16% births |
| 2021 | #351 | 926 | ▲ up 16216 · +18420% births |
| 2005 | #16567 | 5 | ▼ down 1432 |
| 2000 | #15135 | 5 | — |
The story of Ismael
Ismael is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1976. A total of 37,994 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #15135 in 2000 to #244 in 2023. Ismael is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Ismael in 1983:
Ismael by decade
Ismael peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 114 | |
| 1920s | 379 | |
| 1930s | 568 | |
| 1940s | 816 | |
| 1950s | 1,682 | |
| 1960s | 2,209 | |
| 1970s | 3,261 | |
| 1980s | 4,272 | |
| 1990s | 6,753 | |
| 2000s ★ | 8,932 | |
| 2010s | 8,100 | |
| 2020s | 903 | |
What are good nicknames for Ismael?
Famous people named Ismael
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Ismael (Sufi mystic)
Ismael used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
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Ismael (Arab poet)
Ismael carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
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Ismael (Islamic scholar)
Ismael bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Ismael (Quranic figure)
Ismael appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Ismael?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ismael also consider these
How is Ismael written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Ismael
What does the name Ismael mean?
Ismael means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Arabic 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 Ismael?
Ismael is currently ranked #244 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Ismael have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Ismael?
Ismael originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic 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 Ismael?
Ismael is a two-syllable name pronounced IH1 S M EY0 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ismael trending right now?
Ismael is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.