Ishmael

Boy

Meaning of Ishmael: Hebrew: 'God will hear'

Ishmael is a boy's name most strongly associated with Hebrew naming. It has 7 letters and 2 syllables, and it is familiar but far from overused — 1470th most popular boys' name in the United States in 2025 and 2263rd in England & Wales.

US rank 2025

#1470

121 babies in 2025

England & Wales 2024

#2263

10 babies in 2024

US babies since 1880

6,794

First recorded 1880 · peak 2017

Trend

stable

Style: uncommon

Popularity over time

US babies named Ishmael per year (Social Security Administration). Peak bar = 158.

Gender split

100% boys · 0% girls, based on US, UK and international usage.

Origins & cultures

Hebrew

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Other names starting with I

IsaacBoy

Hebrew · 2 syllables

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IvanBoy

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IsaiahBoy

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IanBoy

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IsraelBoy

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IsmaelBoy

Hebrew · 2 syllables

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IdrisBoy