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Ismail

Boy name · Arabic

Meaninggod hears · Arabic

Ismail is an Arabic boy name meaning “god hears”. Arabic names are often chosen for a virtue or a blessing parents hope their child will carry. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds crisp and confident, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length.

Did you know?

  • GenerationIsmail is having its moment right now. Most Ismails are still in diapers or at preschool, so picture a Gen Alpha or Gen Beta kid.
  • Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Ismail would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 8,375 baby boys got the name in 2025.
  • HistoryIsmail first shows up in US birth records in 1962, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 63 years since.
  • Where it's lovedWant to meet a lot of Ismails? Head to New Jersey, where it's the #469 boy name, its best showing of any state.
Baby smiling up at the camera
hello, little Ismail

US births per million boys, 1962–2025

060120196220002025

Most popular states (2025)

NJ rank #469NY rank #491MN rank #552MD rank #571VA rank #627

Similar names

Boy name: IsmaelUnisex name: VailBoy name: SohailBoy name: SuhailUnisex name: Gail
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).

About the name Ismail

Ismail is a boy name of Arabic origin meaning “god hears”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the consonant at the end gives it a confident finish. It has been around for generations, yet it's never been more loved than it is today. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.

Origin:Arabic names

More Arabic boy names

Questions about the name Ismail

What does the name Ismail mean?

Ismail means “god hears” and comes from Arabic. Names built around “God” have been loved for generations, and give a child a meaning worth sharing when someone asks about their name. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Theodore (“gift of God”), Elijah (“my God is Yahweh”), Mateo (“gift of God”) and Elias (“my God is Yahweh”).

What is the origin of the name Ismail?

Ismail is Arabic in origin. Other Arabic names to consider are Caleb (“dog, faithful”), Silas (“of the forest”), Aaron (“possibly exalted”) and Amir (“prince, commander”).

Is Ismail a boy or girl name?

Ismail is a boy name. In 2025, 204 US boys were named Ismail.

How popular is the name Ismail?

Ismail ranked #1,064 for US boys in 2025, given to 204 babies. That's its best rank ever: the name is at the height of its popularity right now. Over the last five years it has climbed 297 places.

What names are similar to Ismail?

If you like Ismail, you might also like Theodore, Elijah, Mateo and Elias.

What should I know before naming my baby Ismail?

Ismail is an Arabic boy name meaning “god hears”. Arabic names are often chosen for a virtue or a blessing parents hope their child will carry. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds crisp and confident, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.