Ishmael - boys name

Ishmael name popularity, meaning and origin

Name Popularity: 61%

Ishmael name meaning:

The name Ishmael is of Hebrew origin and holds significant meaning in various cultures and religions. In Hebrew, Ishmael translates to "God will hear" or "God listens." In the Bible, Ishmael is the first son of Abraham, born to him by his wife Sarah's servant, Hagar. Ishmael is considered a prominent figure in both Christianity and Islam, as he is believed to be the ancestor of the Arab people.

The name Ishmael carries a sense of divine connection and implies that God is attentive and responsive to the prayers and needs of individuals. It signifies a belief in the power of communication and the idea that one's pleas and desires will be heard by a higher force. The name Ishmael also reflects the importance of faith and trust in God's providence.

In a broader context, the name Ishmael symbolizes strength, resilience, and survival. Ishmael's story is one of overcoming adversity and finding his place in the world. Therefore, naming a boy Ishmael can also be seen as an acknowledgment of the challenges one may face in life, a reminder to remain steadfast, and an encouragement to embrace one's heritage and ancestry.

Origin: Biblical

God that hears.

Other boys names beginning with I

Statistics

Overall UK ranking: 1860 out of 4789

12 recorded births last year

Change in rank

  • 10yrs

    -609
  • 5yrs

    -290
  • 1yr

    -225

    Regional popularity

    Ranking for this name in various UK regions

  • Scotland (1265)

Historical popularity of Ishmael

The graph below shows the popularity of the boys's name Ishmael from all the UK baby name statistics available. It's a quick easy way to see the trend for Ishmael in 2024