Male Name
Ishmael
ˈɪʃ.meɪ.əl
Overview
Gender
masculine
Origin
Categories
American Horror Story characters
black history
civil rights
currently out of the US top 1000
directors
Dune characters
ends in -el
God
isograms
NBA players
Writing Systems
יִשְׁמָעֵאלAncient Hebrew
Characteristics
How people perceive this name
Overall Rating
74/100
classic160%
mature100%
formal80%
wholesome80%
strong100%
refined65%
strange120%
complex65%
serious120%
Meaning & Etymology
The name Ishmael originates from the Hebrew name יִשְׁמָעֵאל (Yishmaʿel), meaning 'God will hear'. It is derived from the Hebrew roots שָׁמַע (shamaʿ), meaning 'to hear', and אֵל (ʾel), meaning 'God'. In the Old Testament, Ishmael is the name of Abraham's first son, born to Hagar, Sarah's handmaiden. He is traditionally regarded as the ancestor of the Arab people. The name also appears in the Old Testament as the name of a man who assassinates Gedaliah, the governor of Judah. The name gained lit...
Etymology
Original Form:
יִשְׁמָעֵאל (Yishmaʿel)
Evolution:
The name evolved from its Hebrew origins to be used in various languages, including Ancient Greek (Ἰσμαήλ), Arabic (إِسْمَاعِيل), and Latin (Ismael).
Source:
Hebrew Bible, Old Testament