Rising since 1987, #1,466 for boys today.
Popularity of Ishmael since 1880
Babies named Ishmael per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 17 |
| 1900s | 17 |
| 1910s | 296 |
| 1920s | 321 |
| 1930s | 223 |
| 1940s | 146 |
| 1950s | 164 |
| 1960s | 155 |
| 1970s | 372 |
| 1980s | 538 |
| 1990s | 1,233 |
| 2000s | 1,205 |
| 2010s | 1,355 |
| 2020s | 746 |
Meaning & origin
Ishmael has been in use in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security data. Currently ranked 1466, it is given to approximately 1 in 14,116 boys, reflecting moderate but consistent use. The name saw a peak in 2017, and its popularity has been rising since 1987, indicating a steady, if slow, increase in favor. In recent years, the top states for Ishmael have included Florida, New York, and Virginia. The biblical heritage of the name, meaning 'God hears,' resonates across multiple faiths, and its literary association with Melville's narrator adds cultural depth. Ishmael remains a distinctive choice that balances traditional roots with a modern sound.
Ishmael is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew name Yishma'el, meaning 'God hears.' In the Bible, Ishmael is the firstborn son of Abraham and Hagar, making him a significant figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The name has been used in English since the Protestant Reformation, appearing in the King James Bible. It gained literary fame through Herman Melville's novel 'Moby-Dick' (1851), narrated by the character Ishmael.
Where Ishmael is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ish
Sibling names for Ishmael
Names that share Ishmael's style, for a brother or sister.
