The name Ismail is of Arabic origin and has been in use since ancient times. It is derived from the Arabic root words 'isma' meaning 'obedience' and 'il' referring to God. Thus, the name Ismail carries the meaning of 'God has hearkened' or 'obedient to God'.

One of the earliest mentions of the name Ismail can be found in the Quran, the holy book of Islam. Here, Ismail is the name of the son of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his wife Hajar (Hagar). The story of Ismail's near-sacrifice is a pivotal event in the Abrahamic faiths of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

The name Ismail has been popular among Muslims throughout history, with many notable individuals bearing this name. One of the earliest was Ismail ibn Jafar, an 8th-century Arab scientist and translator who played a significant role in the translation of Greek scientific works into Arabic during the Abbasid Caliphate.

Another famous Ismail was Ismail I, the Shah of Persia from 1501 to 1524, who founded the Safavid dynasty and established Shia Islam as the state religion of Persia. His name is also associated with the city of Isfahan, which he made the capital of his empire.

In the modern era, Sir Ismail Mohamed, born in 1836, was a prominent South African politician and activist who fought for the rights of Indians in South Africa alongside Mahatma Gandhi. He was also the founder of the Natal Indian Congress.

Ismail Yasin, born in 1973, is a contemporary Iraqi-American author and poet known for his works exploring themes of identity, displacement, and the Iraqi diaspora experience. His collections include 'Roots' and 'Healing Cup'.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Ismail, a name steeped in religious and cultural significance, particularly within the Islamic tradition.