Ismael Name Meaning, Origin and Popularity
Ismael is predominantly used for boys. The statistics below show this exact spelling in official U.S. records.
How Do You Spell Ismael?
Ismael is spelled I-S-M-A-E-L. The name has 6 letters.
Ismael at a Glance
- Usage
- Predominantly used for boys
- Meaning
- “God will hear” or “God listens,” derived from Hebrew.
- Origin
- Ismael is commonly associated with the Hebrew name Yishma'el, reflecting its biblical roots.
- Pronunciation
- is-MAH-el · 3 syllables
Ismael Popularity in 2025
Rank#263
Recorded Births1,307
- Boys usage fell 29 places to #263 and recorded 228 fewer births compared with 2024.
Figures reflect this exact spelling in the latest available U.S. Social Security Administration records. See the complete year-by-year trend.
What Does the Name Ismael Mean?
“God will hear” or “God listens,” derived from Hebrew.
Origin: Ismael is commonly associated with the Hebrew name Yishma'el, reflecting its biblical roots.
How Do You Pronounce Ismael?
Pronunciationis-MAH-el
Syllables3
What Is the History of the Name Ismael?
- History
- The name Ismael is used in religious texts, notably in the Hebrew Bible and the Quran, where Ishmael is a significant figure.
Ismael Popularity by Year
The table below shows the most recent available records for this exact spelling from 2004 through 2025. Use the full history page to explore every recorded year.
| Year | Usage Category | Recorded Births | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Boys | 1,307 | #263 |
| 2024 | Boys | 1,535 | #234 |
| 2023 | Boys | 1,425 | #244 |
| 2022 | Boys | 1,076 | #312 |
| 2021 | Boys | 928 | #350 |
| 2020 | Boys | 905 | #350 |
| 2019 | Boys | 875 | #365 |
| 2018 | Boys | 919 | #359 |
| 2017 | Boys | 814 | #392 |
| 2016 | Boys | 792 | #403 |
| 2015 | Boys | 772 | #401 |
| 2014 | Boys | 807 | #386 |
| 2013 | Boys | 746 | #400 |
| 2012 | Boys | 776 | #383 |
| 2011 | Boys | 789 | #376 |
| 2010 | Boys | 824 | #362 |
| 2009 | Boys | 863 | #357 |
| 2008 | Boys | 935 | #348 |
| 2007 | Boys | 978 | #327 |
| 2006 | Boys | 988 | #324 |
| 2005 | Girls | 5 | #16,462 |
| 2005 | Boys | 898 | #335 |
| 2004 | Girls | 6 | #14,179 |
| 2004 | Boys | 905 | #332 |
When Was Ismael Most Popular?
Peak years are based on the highest recorded birth totals for this exact spelling and usage category. They are ordered by birth count, not chronologically.
2024 · Boys
1,535 recorded births
National rank #234
2023 · Boys
1,425 recorded births
National rank #244
2025 · Boys
1,307 recorded births
National rank #263
2022 · Boys
1,076 recorded births
National rank #312
Where Ismael Ranked Highest in 2025
State rankings are calculated separately for girls and boys within each state. The SSA omits state-level names recorded fewer than five times, so low visible counts can still represent a relatively high state rank.
Top States for Boys
| State | Rank | Recorded Births |
|---|---|---|
| NM | #90 | 20 |
| AZ | #115 | 73 |
| CA | #120 | 329 |
| TX | #143 | 267 |
| OR | #158 | 26 |
| NV | #171 | 17 |
| IL | #191 | 61 |
| CO | #217 | 30 |