About the name Ishmael
Ishmael is a boy name with Hebrew roots, meaning “God hears, God will hear”.
It has a unique feel. In 2025, Ishmael ranked #1469 for boys in the US, with 121 babies given the name. Its peak year since 1940 was 2017. Since 2000, 100% of US babies named Ishmael were boys.
Etymology
From Hebrew, meaning “God hears, God will hear”.
Name meaning adapted from Wiktionary (“Ishmael”) by Wiktionary contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- US rank 2025
- #1469
- In 2015
- #1225
- Babies in 2025
- 121
Popularity of Ishmael, 1940–2025
Latest SSA data: 2025.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration national baby names (public domain; names given to at least 5 babies of one sex per year).
Hello, world
Ishmael
Your last name
born on your big day
7 LB 4 OZ · 20 IN
The Baby Kit
See Ishmael on a birth announcement
Birth announcements, shower invitations, nursery wall art and milestone cards, all personalized with Ishmael. Type your details once and print at home or at any print shop.
Nicknames for Ishmael
Names similar to Ishmael
Name meanings marked or linked “Wiktionary” are adapted from Wiktionary by Wiktionary contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; each name page links its source entry.