Ismail
Ismail is a boy name of Arabic origin meaning “God hears”, pronounced iss-mah-EEL. It ranked #1065 in the United States in 2025, given to 204 babies, and peaked at #1065 in 2025. Common nicknames: Issy, Mail, Sam.
How popular is Ismail in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Ismail mean, and where does it come from?
Ismail is the Arabic form of Ishmael — Hebrew Yishma'el, "God hears" — the son of Abraham and Hagar, and in Islamic tradition the forefather of the Arabs and the son whom Abraham was commanded to sacrifice. It is among the most widely used names in the Muslim world, spelled İsmail in Turkey and Ismael in Spanish. American records hold it from 1962 and it has risen steadily since, reaching its highest position in 2025 while remaining outside the top thousand.
How is Ismail used around the world?
Ismail is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 5+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Ismail?
Famous People Named Ismail
- Ismail I — founder of the Safavid dynasty and first shah of Iran
- Ismail Omar Guelleh — President of Djibouti
- Ismail al-Faruqi — Palestinian-American philosopher of religion
Similar Names to Ismail
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Sibling Name Ideas for Ismail
Looking for names that pair well with Ismail? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ismail mean?
Ismail is a boy name of Arabic origin meaning "God hears." Ismail is the Arabic form of Ishmael — Hebrew Yishma'el, "God hears" — the son of Abraham and Hagar, and in Islamic tradition the forefather of the Arabs and the son whom Abraham was commanded to sacrifice. It is among the most widely used names in the Muslim world, spelled İsmail in Turkey and Ismael in Spanish.
How do you pronounce Ismail?
Ismail is pronounced iss-mah-EEL. Common variations include Ismael, Ishmael, İsmail.
Is Ismail a boy name?
Yes, Ismail is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Issy, Mail, Sam.