Find out how popular the first name Ysmael has been for the last 37 years (from 1988 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ysmael by gender

Based on the last 37 years of data, Ysmael is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ysmael.

The history of the first name Ysmael

The name Ysmael has its origins in Hebrew, derived from the name Ishmael, which means "God hears" or "God will hear." It traces its roots back to the biblical figure of Ishmael, the son of Abraham by his Egyptian slave Hagar. The story of Ishmael's birth and exile is recounted in the Book of Genesis, and he is considered an important figure in both Judaism and Islam.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Ysmael can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek historian Josephus, who lived in the 1st century AD. He mentions Ishmael, using the spelling "Ismael," in his work "Antiquities of the Jews." The name also appears in various forms in other ancient texts, such as the Quran and the Talmud.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Ysmael or its variations. One of the most famous was Ismail I (1487-1524), the Shah of Persia and the founder of the Safavid dynasty. He established Shia Islam as the official religion of Persia and is credited with transforming the country into a major political and military power.

Another significant figure was Ismail Pasha (1830-1895), an Ottoman statesman and diplomat who served as the Prime Minister of Egypt and played a crucial role in modernizing the country's infrastructure and economy. He is also known for his efforts in establishing the Suez Canal Company.

In the realm of literature, Ismail Kadare (born 1936) is a renowned Albanian novelist and poet who has been nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature multiple times. His works, such as "The General of the Dead Army" and "The Pyramid," explore themes of totalitarianism, history, and the human condition.

The name Ysmael has also been carried by notable figures in the arts, such as Ismail Merchant (1936-2005), an Indian-born filmmaker and producer who co-founded the production company Merchant Ivory Productions. He collaborated with director James Ivory on several critically acclaimed films, including "A Room with a View" and "Howards End."

Lastly, Ismail al-Faruqi (1921-1986) was a Palestinian-American philosopher and scholar who made significant contributions to the field of Islamic studies. He is widely regarded as one of the founders of the discipline of Islamic thought in the modern era and played a vital role in promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding.

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 Ysmael was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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