What does Ysmael mean and where does it come from?
Ysmael is a variant of the name Ismael, which originates from Hebrew (יִשְׁמָעֵאל). This name means 'God will hear' and has deep biblical roots, being the name of the son of Abraham and Hagar. The name is used across various cultures, including in Spanish-speaking countries. It is associated with fi
Cultural significance
Ysmael has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god will hear.
Peak popularity
Reached #2467 in 1931 — currently #7710 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ysmael?
Ysmael works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ysmael Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ysmael Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ysmael Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ysmael Claire
French influence · crisp
Ysmael Jane
Literary · strong
Ysmael Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ysmael right now?
Rising fast — up 4383 spots — currently #7710 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7710 | 11 | ▲ up 4383 · +83% births |
| 2021 | #12093 | 6 | ▼ down 1315 |
| 2015 | #10778 | 6 | ▲ up 886 · +20% births |
| 2005 | #11664 | 5 | ▼ down 7987 |
| 1945 | #3677 | 5 | ▼ down 100 · -17% births |
| 1935 | #3577 | 6 | ▼ down 976 · -45% births |
| 1930 | #2601 | 11 | ▲ up 1495 · +83% births |
| 1925 | #4096 | 6 | — |
The story of Ysmael
Ysmael entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. With 174 total births recorded, Ysmael remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4096 in 1925, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7710 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Ysmael in 1931:
Ysmael by decade
Ysmael peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 6 | |
| 1920s ★ | 41 | |
| 1930s | 34 | |
| 1940s | 26 | |
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 1980s | 6 | |
| 1990s | 16 | |
| 2000s | 16 | |
| 2010s | 24 | |
💎Ysmael has only 174 total recorded births since 1918 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Ysmael?
Famous people named Ysmael
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Ysmael (Spanish conquistador or explorer)
Ysmael bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.
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Ysmael (Spanish saint)
Ysmael helped establish this name across the Spanish-speaking Catholic world.
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Ysmael (Latin American historical figure)
Ysmael used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
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Ysmael (Spanish royal)
Ysmael held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Ysmael?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ysmael also consider these
Common questions about the name Ysmael
What does the name Ysmael mean?
Ysmael means "God will hear" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Ysmael?
Ysmael is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Ysmael have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Ysmael?
Ysmael originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Ysmael trending right now?
Ysmael is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Ysmael a common or rare name?
Ysmael is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.