Ismael is a distinctive boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #845 in 2025 with 38 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2018 with 60 births ranking #604. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 280.0%. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 7,156 boys born was named Ismael. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
Ismael is an international form of Ishmael meaning "God hears". It feels classic, scriptural, and especially familiar in Spanish-speaking communities.
The name is present in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic tradition through the Ishmael or Ismail line. Its broad cross-cultural reach gives it unusual strength and familiarity.