Holding steady.
Popularity of Ishmail since 1971
Babies named Ishmail per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 10 |
| 1980s | 11 |
| 1990s | 94 |
| 2000s | 80 |
| 2010s | 13 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Ishmail is a variant spelling of the biblical name Ishmael, recorded in the U.S. since at least 1971. The name remains rare, never breaking into the top 1000 rankings, with its peak usage occurring in 1995. Its trajectory has been stable in recent decades, reflecting a consistent but low level of use among families seeking a traditional name with a distinctive spelling.
Ishmail is a variant of the biblical name Ishmael, derived from the Hebrew Yishma'el, meaning 'God will hear'. In the Book of Genesis, Ishmael is the first son of Abraham, born to Hagar. The name has been used among Christians, Jews, and Muslims for centuries.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ish, Mail
Sibling names for Ishmail
Names that share Ishmail's style, for a brother or sister.
