Ishmael
Every Ishmael since 1880 — 6,794 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Ishmael
Ishmael is uncommon for boys in the United States, ranked #1,469 in 2025 with 121 babies given the name. It is currently holding steady compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 6,794 American babies have been named Ishmael. Its peak came in 2017, when 158 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2010s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Ishmael stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Ishmael year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 121 | #1,469 |
| 2024 | 121 | #1,488 |
| 2023 | 120 | #1,493 |
| 2022 | 97 | #1,734 |
| 2021 | 143 | #1,313 |
| 2020 | 144 | #1,272 |
| 2019 | 143 | #1,299 |
| 2018 | 139 | #1,311 |
| 2017 | 158 | #1,184 |
| 2016 | 132 | #1,352 |
| 2015 | 150 | #1,225 |
| 2014 | 141 | #1,267 |
| 2013 | 121 | #1,392 |
| 2012 | 127 | #1,341 |
| 2011 | 133 | #1,289 |
| 2010 | 111 | #1,475 |
| 2009 | 117 | #1,438 |
| 2008 | 100 | #1,587 |
| 2007 | 116 | #1,406 |
| 2006 | 114 | #1,394 |
| 2005 | 124 | #1,263 |
| 2004 | 124 | #1,227 |
| 2003 | 106 | #1,312 |
| 2002 | 118 | #1,187 |
| 2001 | 142 | #1,037 |
| 2000 | 144 | #1,017 |
| 1995 | 126 | #989 |
| 1990 | 86 | #1,177 |
| 1985 | 59 | #1,249 |
| 1980 | 55 | #1,246 |
| 1975 | 42 | #1,352 |
| 1970 | 18 | #2,165 |
| 1965 | 12 | #2,410 |
| 1960 | 9 | #2,961 |
| 1955 | 15 | #2,087 |
| 1950 | 22 | #1,587 |
| 1945 | 12 | #2,054 |
| 1940 | 18 | #1,658 |
| 1935 | 22 | #1,469 |
| 1930 | 26 | #1,443 |
| 1925 | 28 | #1,406 |
| 1920 | 37 | #1,194 |
| 1915 | 38 | #1,044 |
| 1910 | 9 | #1,159 |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | 6 | #870 |
Famous people named Ishmael
- Ishmael Reed Writer · b. 1938
- Ishmael Beah Writer · b. 1980
- Ishmael Miller Soccer player · b. 1987
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Ishmael in 2025?
Ishmael ranked #1,469 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 121 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Ishmael?
6,794 babies have been named Ishmael in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Ishmael most popular?
Ishmael peaked in 2017, when 158 newborns received the name.
Is Ishmael a boy or girl name?
Ishmael is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Ishmael rising or falling?
Ishmael has been roughly stable over the past decade.
Who are famous people named Ishmael?
Well-known people named Ishmael include Ishmael Reed (writer), Ishmael Beah (writer), Ishmael Miller (soccer player).