Ismael
Ismael is a boy's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
God hears or God will listen.
Origin and history
Ismael is a traditional male name derived from the Biblical and Qur'anic figure Ishmael, originating from Semitic roots. It has consistently maintained a place in U.S. naming traditions, particularly among Hispanic and Latino communities. The name carries a timeless classic quality while experiencing steady usage in recent years.
Popularity in the United States
44,216 babies in the United States have been named Ismael since 1880. It ranks #543 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #283.
States where it is most popular
- CA (30.3 %)
- TX (25.1 %)
- NY (8.8 %)
- IL (4.8 %)
- AZ (4.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 5 |
| 1910-1920 | 114 |
| 1920-1930 | 379 |
| 1930-1940 | 569 |
| 1940-1950 | 817 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,684 |
| 1960-1970 | 2,208 |
| 1970-1980 | 3,252 |
| 1980-1990 | 4,256 |
| 1990-2000 | 6,726 |
| 2000-2010 | 8,916 |
| 2010-2019 | 8,114 |
| 2020-2029 | 7,176 |
Famous people named Ismael
- Ismael Cruz Córdova: Actor
- Ismael Zambada García: Criminal
Nicknames
Isma, Mael
Fun facts
- The name appears in both Biblical and Islamic traditions, making it widely recognized across multiple major world religions.
- The name originates from the Hebrew elements 'yishma' (he hears) and 'El' (God).