Ismail Name
Name Overview
Meaning, origin, and cultural context at a glance. Last updated: 2026-06-29.
Arabic
Male
Common
Islamic
Meaning
God hears the prayer of faithful
Description
Ismail is the Arabic form of Ishmael deriving from the Hebrew Yishmael meaning God will hear.
In Islam Ismail is a major prophet the son of Ibrahim and the ancestor of Arab peoples.
The name is extremely common across the Muslim world.
History
Ismail in Islamic tradition is the first son of Ibrahim born to Hajar.
When Ibrahim and Sarah were unable to have children Hajar was given to Ibrahim as a wife.
After Ismails birth Hajar and Ismail were settled in the area of Mecca by divine command.
The Quran describes Ismail as a prophet and a righteous servant of God.
The story of Ibrahims willingness to sacrifice Ismail and Gods intervention is central to Islamic theology and is commemorated annually.
Ismail is considered the ancestor of the Arab peoples through the tribe of Adnan.
The name has been popular across Muslim cultures since the earliest period of Islam.
It is particularly common in the Arab world Turkey Iran and South Asia.
In modern times Ismail remains one of the most popular male names across the Muslim world.
Variants
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