Ishmael
BoyHebrew
Ishmael is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "God will hear".
About this name
Gender
Boy
Language
Hebrew
Religion
Jewish | Christian | Islamic
Popularity
3 / 100
Syllables
2
Length
7 letters
Meaning
God will hear
Etymology
Derived from Hebrew: Ishmael (ישמעאל), meaning 'God will hear', from ish (יש) and ma'el (מעל) or shama' (שמע).
Famous People Named Ishmael
- Ishmael Reed — American poet, novelist, essayist, songwriter, playwright, editor and publisher
Frequently Asked Questions About Ishmael
What does the name Ishmael mean?
Ishmael means "God will hear", and is of Hebrew origin.
What is the origin of the name Ishmael?
Ishmael originates from Hebrew, commonly used in Middle East.
Is Ishmael a boy or girl name?
Ishmael is typically used as a boy name.
What religion is the name Ishmael associated with?
Ishmael is associated with Jewish | Christian | Islamic.
Are there famous people named Ishmael?
Yes — notable people named Ishmael include Ishmael Reed (American poet).
Last updated: June 2026