Mishaal is a distinctive name of Arabic origin, derived from the root verb 'shāla' which means "to elevate" or "to excel." It signifies greatness, nobility, and superiority. In Islamic tradition, Mishaal is also associated with a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), known as Mishal ibn Abdullah al-Khazraji, who was renowned for his bravery and valor.
The name Mishaal first gained prominence during the early Islamic period when it was borne by several notable figures. Apart from Mishal ibn Abdullah, another prominent figure with this name is Mishaal ibn Makhlad al-Muzani, a famous poet and scholar of the Umayyad period. This further contributes to the rich historical legacy associated with the name Mishaal.
In modern times, Mishaal has been used as a given name for boys in various communities, particularly among Muslims and Arabic-speaking populations. Its unique sound and significant meaning continue to make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their child.
Overall, Mishaal is a strong and noble name with a rich historical background that adds to its appeal. It signifies greatness and excellence, qualities that many parents hope their children will embody throughout their lives. Despite its Arabic origins, the name Mishaal has been adopted by diverse communities across the globe, reflecting its universal appeal and timeless significance.
The name Mishaal has been given to a total of 77 babies in the United States over the past two decades, with varying popularity from year to year.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Mishaal was a relatively uncommon name, with only six births recorded in 1998. However, its popularity began to rise slightly in the mid-2000s, reaching nine births in 2003.
The years 2004 and 2005 saw seven and five births respectively, indicating a steady level of popularity for the name during this time. After a brief dip in 2008 with only five births, Mishaal's popularity rebounded to six births in 2009.
The name continued to maintain some level of popularity throughout the 2010s, with nine births recorded in 2011 and eight in 2013. However, it appears that Mishaal's popularity began to decline again towards the end of the decade, with only five births each year from 2014 to 2016.
Interestingly, despite this decline in popularity, Mishaal has seen a recent resurgence in the United States. In both 2020 and 2022, six babies were named Mishaal, suggesting that the name may still hold some appeal for parents today. Overall, while Mishaal has not been one of the most popular names in the United States over the past two decades, it has maintained a consistent presence nonetheless.