Ismeal is a rare and unique name of Hebrew origin, derived from the word "ismael," which means "God will hear." This name has a rich history dating back to biblical times.
In the Bible, Ismeal was the son of Abraham and his concubine Hagar. According to the story, Hagar became pregnant with Ismeal after Abraham gave her to his wife Sarah as a handmaiden. When Sarah became jealous of Hagar's pregnancy, she mistreated her, causing Hagar to flee into the wilderness. There, she encountered an angel who told her to return to Sarah and that her son would be called Ismeal, which means "God will hear" because God had heard her cries for help.
The name Ismeal is also significant in Islamic tradition as it is the name of one of the sons of Abraham, considered a prophet in Islam. This further adds to its historical and cultural significance across different religions.
Today, Ismeal remains a rare but powerful name choice. It's often associated with strength, resilience, and faith due to its biblical roots. Despite its rarity, it has been used throughout history by various notable figures, such as the French philosopher Michel de l'Hôpital, who was also known as Ismeal.
In conclusion, Ismeal is an ancient Hebrew name rich in history and meaning. It means "God will hear" and has significant ties to biblical and Islamic traditions. While rare today, it remains a strong and distinctive choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.
The name Ismeal has seen a varied number of births in the United States over the past few decades, with peaks and valleys throughout the years. From 1955 to present day, there have been a total of 85 births registered under this name.
Interestingly, the 1970s and early 1980s seemed to be the most popular period for the name Ismeal, with consistent birth counts ranging from 5 to 6 babies per year. The years 1976 to 1983 saw a total of 40 births, which is approximately half of all Ismeals born in the United States during this entire time span.
The late 1980s and early 1990s also experienced an increase in popularity for the name, with 7 babies named Ismeal born in both 1989 and 1992. These years contributed a total of 14 births to the overall count.
More recently, from 2002 to 2007, there were 25 births registered under the name Ismeal. This period saw an increase in popularity compared to previous decades, with 6 or more births occurring each year except for 2002, which had only 5 births.
Overall, the name Ismeal has seen steady fluctuations in popularity over time. While it may not be one of the most common names, its consistent appearance in birth records demonstrates that it remains a unique and distinctive choice among parents in the United States.