Find out how popular the first name Isael has been for the last 46 years (from 1978 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Isael by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Isael is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 199 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Isael.

The history of the first name Isael

The name Isael has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is a variant spelling of the biblical name "Ishmael," which means "God hears" or "God has hearkened." The name is derived from the Hebrew root "shama," meaning "to hear," and the prefix "El," referring to God.

The name Ishmael appears in various religious texts, including the Hebrew Bible and the Quran. In the book of Genesis, Ishmael is depicted as the firstborn son of Abraham through his wife's handmaid, Hagar. He is considered an important figure in both Judaism and Islam, as he is regarded as the progenitor of the Ishmaelites, an ancient Arab tribe.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Isael can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek historian Josephus, who lived in the first century AD. He mentions an individual named "Isael" in his work "Antiquities of the Jews."

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Isael. One such figure was Isael ben Elisha, a Jewish scholar who lived in the 11th century and wrote commentaries on the Talmud. Another was Isael ben Abraham Nasi, a 16th-century Jewish scholar and Kabbalist from Safed, in present-day Israel.

In the realm of literature, Isael appears as a character in the epic poem "Paradise Lost" by John Milton, published in 1667. In the poem, Isael is depicted as an angel who accompanies the archangel Michael on a journey.

Among religious leaders, Isael Baal Shem Tov, who lived from 1698 to 1760, was a prominent figure in the Hasidic Jewish movement. He is revered for his teachings and contributions to Jewish mysticism.

Another notable individual with the name Isael was Isael Benavides, a Mexican painter and engraver who lived from 1894 to 1975. He was known for his depictions of rural life and landscapes in Mexico.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have borne the name Isael, reflecting its ancient roots and cultural significance across various traditions and time periods.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Isael was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Isael, please contact us.

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