إسماعيل

Ismail

boyArabic (Quranic)Muslim

Ismail is a Muslim boy name of Arabic (Quranic), from Hebrew origin, meaning “Prophet Ishmael; 'God hears'”.

MeaningProphet Ishmael; 'God hears'
GenderBoy
OriginArabic (Quranic), from Hebrew
Written asإسماعيل
Pronunciationis-mah-EEL
TraditionMuslim
Used inWorldwide

Meaning and origin of Ismail

The Prophet Ishmael, called Ismāʿīl in the Quran, was the older son of Ibrahim and Hajar. Together with his father he raised the walls of the Kaaba. The Arabs, and with them the family of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, trace their ancestry back to him. His name in Hebrew means 'God hears', and the story of his near-sacrifice is remembered every year at Eid al-Adha.

Is Ismail a Muslim name?

Ismail stands among the classic names of Islam because it belongs to a prophet. The Quran says: 'And mention in the Book Ishmael. Indeed, he was true to his promise, and he was a messenger and a prophet' (Quran 19:54).

How popular is Ismail?

No corner of the Muslim world is without it, from Ismaila in West Africa to Smail in the Maghreb and İsmail in Turkey.

Gifts with the name Ismail

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Spellings and variants of Ismail

IsmaelIsmaeelIsmailaSmail

Names similar to Ismail

More Muslim boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Ismail mean?

Ismail means 'Prophet Ishmael; 'God hears''. It is of Arabic (Quranic), from Hebrew origin.

Is Ismail a Muslim name?

Ismail stands among the classic names of Islam because it belongs to a prophet. The Quran says: 'And mention in the Book Ishmael. Indeed, he was true to his promise, and he was a messenger and a prophet' (Quran 19:54).

How do you pronounce Ismail?

Ismail is pronounced is-mah-EEL.

Is Ismail a boy or girl name?

Ismail is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.