Ishmeal is a unique and uncommon name of Hebrew origin. It means "God will hear" or "God hears." The name is derived from the Hebrew word "shemu'el," which consists of two parts: "shema", meaning "to hear" or "listen", and "el," referring to God.
The name Ishmeal appears in the Old Testament of the Bible, where it is given to one of the twelve sons of Jacob. This son was born to Rebecca after she prayed for a child and promised that if her prayer was answered, she would dedicate the child to God's service. Ishmeal, along with his twin brother Esau, plays a significant role in the early history of the Israelites.
Throughout history, the name Ishmeal has been used by various individuals, including prominent figures such as the prophet Samuel and the 16th-century explorer Sir Humphrey Gilbert, who was also known as Ishamel Hawkins. Despite its historical significance, however, the name remains relatively rare today.
In many cultures, the name Ishmeal is considered to be strong and authoritative, reflecting its biblical roots and associations with leadership and prophecy. Its unique spelling and pronunciation make it stand out from other Hebrew names, further emphasizing its distinctiveness.
In summary, Ishmeal is a compelling name with a rich history and meaningful significance. Derived from Hebrew, it means "God will hear" or "God hears," and it has been carried by notable figures throughout the centuries. Although not commonly used today, this unique name offers a powerful connection to the past while maintaining its distinctive character.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe several trends related to the number of babies named Ishmeal born annually in the United States over the years.
Looking at the early part of the 20th century (1916-1942), there were fluctuations in the number of births per year with this name. The peak was reached in 1919 with 8 births, while the lowest point occurred in 1921 and 1931 with just 5 births each year.
There was a significant gap between 1942 and 1961 without any recorded births named Ishmeal. However, starting from 1961, the name began to reappear consistently, albeit with varying frequencies. During this period (1961-1989), the number of births remained relatively low, ranging between 5 and 9 per year.
Interestingly, there was a notable increase in popularity during the early 1990s. Between 1992 and 1994, the annual birth count reached double digits for the first time since the statistics began: 11 births in 1992, 12 in 1993, and 13 in 1994. This trend continued into the late 1990s, with peaks of 14 births in 1997 and 9 births in 1999.
However, since then, the popularity of the name Ishmeal has seemed to decline once again. From 2000 onwards, the annual birth count typically ranges between 5 and 10, with occasional peaks such as 10 births in 2001 or 9 births in 2006.
The most recent data available shows that there were 7 births named Ishmeal in both 2015 and 2017. Considering the total number of births recorded over these years, which amounts to 301, it's clear that while Ishmeal is not one of the most popular names, it has maintained a consistent presence among baby boys born in the United States during this period.
These statistics demonstrate how trends in naming can change over time and across generations. Despite its fluctuations in popularity, the name Ishmeal has remained a part of American baby naming culture for much of the 20th century and into the 21st.