US Popularity Rank: 3155

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: God will hear

Ishmael is a boy’s name of Hebrew origin, meaning “God will hear.” Gifting baby this biblical title is a lovely way to honor one’s faith and remind baby of their religious roots. In the Old Testament, Ishmael is the name of Abraham’s firstborn son and is also considered the traditional ancestor of the Arab people. Ishmael is also the name of the narrator of Moby Dick, beginning the story with the famous opening line “Call me Ishmael.” A beloved name throughout the literary community, Ishmael is a popular choice for memorable characters. Baby Ishmael will rest assured their name is a classic and will undoubtedly rock it with grace!